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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits 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 in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access 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 in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.