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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability 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 play important functions in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.