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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

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

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. 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 we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.