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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.