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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.