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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

Based on recent research, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than 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 improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.