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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

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

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all 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 the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident 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. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.