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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

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

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like many federal military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.