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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents 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 superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize 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 still be a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.