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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements over subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.