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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

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

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income 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 contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know dozens of clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, 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 paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.