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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.