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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half 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.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.