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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.