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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

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

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

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. 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 enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

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 the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.