🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe 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 earning average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.