🔗 Share this article

Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

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

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for 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 society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.