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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It's Expensive

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.