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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

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 approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like many federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.