🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.