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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause 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'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

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 those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.