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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

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 situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.