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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of clients that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half 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.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. 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 we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.