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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.