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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like much of our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

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 that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.