🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

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 our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

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

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average American pays. I know dozens of clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers 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 existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.