🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, typical households pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? 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 – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

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

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.