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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently 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?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.