🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

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

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including 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, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.