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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe 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 system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.