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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine 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 proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.