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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare it to what average US resident spends. I know dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.