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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because 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 include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I know dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.