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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes 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 rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage 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 management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than 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 fruitless) theater 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 the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with 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 compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.