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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like many federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.