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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage 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 employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.