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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

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

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.