🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.