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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average American pays. I know dozens of businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.