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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.