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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework 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 an employee and company payments. And, like much of our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

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 superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear 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. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.