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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making average wages pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than 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 exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with 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 would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.