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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits 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 seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.