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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

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

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I know dozens of clients that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.