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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what the typical American pays. I know dozens of businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like many federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.