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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.