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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate 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 government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.