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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

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

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.