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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

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

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act 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, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.