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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider 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 include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I know multiple businesses who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.