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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should 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 many federal defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.