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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding 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. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.