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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because political disagreements over subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.