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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

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

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average American pays. I know dozens of businesses who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.