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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare it to what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients that 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 those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.