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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. 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 at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.