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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

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

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.