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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 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 millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be 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 pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given 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 small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.