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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

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

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I know dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.