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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? 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 effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.