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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

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

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like much of federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage 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 management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not 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 remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.