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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.