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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit 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 administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.