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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation is that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.