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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

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

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I know dozens of businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses 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 management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.