🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make 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 simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.