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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Believe 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 about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like much of federal defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for 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, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half 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 be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.