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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

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

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple clients 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 also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.