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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine 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 situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, 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 in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.