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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.