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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. 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. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what the typical American pays. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system 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 federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.