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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.