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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee 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 Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.