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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

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

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.