🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

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

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.