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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting 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. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't 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 public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.