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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 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 numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage 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 who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.