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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like much of our government's military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.