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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.