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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

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

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe 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. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put 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 remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.