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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.