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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.