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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might 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 government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses that are routinely paying between 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, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a superior 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 our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.