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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I know multiple businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security 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 complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. 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 reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.