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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual 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 right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories 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 play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.