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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

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

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.