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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple 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 pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.