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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage 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 superior coverage. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.