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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like many federal military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone 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 generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.