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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program 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 that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like much of our government's military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We 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 bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.