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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like many federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.