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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.