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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average American pays. I know dozens of clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like much of federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage 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 significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be 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 tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.