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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.