🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process 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 – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.