🔗 Share this article

Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced 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 system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.