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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to recent research, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach 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, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.