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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.