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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, typical households spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances 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 makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.