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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might 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 approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually 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 current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.