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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer 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 play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.