🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

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

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.