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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program 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 that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.