🔗 Share this article

Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

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

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.