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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers 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 capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.