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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like many federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. 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? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.