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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

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

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.