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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.