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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

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

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.