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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider 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 because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.