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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ 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.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.