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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed 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 us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.