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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits 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 better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.