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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

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 getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. 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 less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.