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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average American pays. I know dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.