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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.