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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach 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.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, 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 are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a better and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.