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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums 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'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

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

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like much of federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.