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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I know multiple businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.