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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-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. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

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 moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. 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 strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.