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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.