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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

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

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't 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. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.