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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers 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 all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.