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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.