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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.