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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

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 situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.