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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

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

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

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

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.