🔗 Share this article

Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family 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 appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.