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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.