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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.