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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.