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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.