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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I know dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.