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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program 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 better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.