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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I know dozens of businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.