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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.