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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

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

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage 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 render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers 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 they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, 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 can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.