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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $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 that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. 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 making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution 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 pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. 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 Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.