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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages 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 who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do 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 interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. 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? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.