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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums 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 since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.