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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

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

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, 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 recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.