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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will 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 because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, 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. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.