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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility 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 possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.