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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will 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 proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there 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 we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.