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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer 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 – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.