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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.