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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 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% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.