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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.