🔗 Share this article

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I know dozens of clients who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like much of federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.