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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of businesses that 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 retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to 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, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.