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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.