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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies 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. 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 enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.