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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.