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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like many federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.