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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.