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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on recent research, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.