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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers 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 experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.