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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

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

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.