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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare it to what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.