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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.