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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point 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 cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.