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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.