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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate 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 national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients who 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, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, 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 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 many federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.