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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.