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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

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

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.