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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

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

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.