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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like many federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' health histories 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 has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.