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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our 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). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits 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 employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.