🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average American pays. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be 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 to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.