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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

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 income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.