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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I know dozens of businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put 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 remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.