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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what average American pays. I know multiple businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.