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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe 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 – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers 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. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.