🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

According to a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.