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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.