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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding 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 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 suggesting 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 would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When including these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.