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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

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

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

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

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.