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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements over subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

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

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like many federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

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 evident that the Affordable Care Act 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, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.