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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. 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. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.