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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like much of our government's military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.