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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.