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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. 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 Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.