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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements over subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.