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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.