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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

According to recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.