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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.