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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like much of our government's military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes 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 for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.