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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Expensive

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

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors 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 current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.