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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will 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. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.