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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It's Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 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% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer 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 include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like many federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) process 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 – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.