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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

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

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 suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all 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, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation 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, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.