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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident 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. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.