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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It's Expensive

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, 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 of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.