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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.