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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program 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 proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) 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 existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role 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, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.