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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know dozens of clients who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.