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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.