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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.