🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast it to what average American pays. I know dozens of businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like many federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make 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 it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach 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

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.