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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

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, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.