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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make 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 enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting 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 the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors 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 very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.