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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

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

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.