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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

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 proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average American pays. I know multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.