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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.