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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

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 suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be 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 definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.