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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of 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 the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.