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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

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

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

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

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.