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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

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 means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.