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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

According to recent research, typical households spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits 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 here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage 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 management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories 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, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.