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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions 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 which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.