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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might 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 government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments 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 bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.