🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like many federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.