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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.