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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I know multiple clients that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.