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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.