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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I can name 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 in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

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 who can afford better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.