🔗 Share this article

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down 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 comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.