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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is 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 expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.