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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

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

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. 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 processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability 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 pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.