🔗 Share this article

Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.