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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.