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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. 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. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each 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 complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.