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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

According to recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe 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, a worker earning average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, 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 an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.