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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know dozens of clients that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.