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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I know multiple clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.