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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

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

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution 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 pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.