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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.