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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

According to recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

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

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of clients that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be 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 management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist 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. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable 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 well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.