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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average American pays. I know dozens of businesses who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. 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 enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.