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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what the typical American pays. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.