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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.