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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, 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 improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.