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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. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I know dozens of clients who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist 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. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ 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 haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.