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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.