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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% 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 have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

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

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage 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 generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.