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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might 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 because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When you add these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – 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, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind 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 serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.