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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

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

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

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.