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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 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.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.