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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I know multiple businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium 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 worker and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

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 with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.