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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

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

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.