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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

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

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like much of federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. 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 processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not 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 less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.