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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 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 will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will 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 proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments 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 each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.