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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

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 households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, 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. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer 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 possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.