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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? 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 system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers 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 employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.