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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire 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. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.