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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

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

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.