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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

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 pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.