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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.