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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like much of our government's military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.