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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. 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, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.