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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like much of federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.