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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.