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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.