🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? 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. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.