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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average American pays. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.