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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? 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 insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.