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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, typical households pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

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

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

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 – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.