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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on recent research, typical households pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.