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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.