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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just 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). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of our government's military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.