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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might 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 since this can't continue.

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

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent 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 average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.