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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes 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.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.