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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average 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 has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act 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 the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.