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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will 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 proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.