🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider 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 government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses 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 Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach 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 so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.