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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every 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 interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.