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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. 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. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.