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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible 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 rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.