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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. 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? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like many federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration 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 it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

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 clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.