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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast that with what average American pays. I know dozens of clients that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.