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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a better and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.