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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

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

Currently the government is shut down due to partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy 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 government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.