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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from 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, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework 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 worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.