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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.