🔗 Share this article

Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system 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 like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.