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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I know dozens of clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced 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 the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.