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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.