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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent 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 appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average American pays. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.