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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? 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 program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.