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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.