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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit 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 management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist 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 isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only 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. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.