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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.