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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like many federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half 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

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.