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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of clients who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.