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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

According to recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses 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 administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.