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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase 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 many our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.