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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average American pays. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.