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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.