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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every 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 current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.