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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. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.