🔗 Share this article

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

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

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

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate 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 proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.