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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.