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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

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

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

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 – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. 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 required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.