🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

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 suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of clients who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.