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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

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

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

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 lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents 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 significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, 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. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.