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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a better and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.