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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

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 situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like much of federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents 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 significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding 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, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases 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 compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.