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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage 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 proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework 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 company payments. Similar to much of federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.