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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. 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 know dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. 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

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses 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 increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.