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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I know multiple businesses who 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 pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.