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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.