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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding 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 more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.