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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually 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 in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced 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 established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.