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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. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average American pays. 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, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When including these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.