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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.