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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I know dozens of clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding 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 worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.