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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because 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. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast it to what average American pays. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.