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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses 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 our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs 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 much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.