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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation 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, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.