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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, 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 framework already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.