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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.