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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums 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 can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

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

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.