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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I know dozens of clients that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear 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 Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

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, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.