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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

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 suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.