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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. 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. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

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

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When including these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.