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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what the typical American pays. I know dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare 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 makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.