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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually 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, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase 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 worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ 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 increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.