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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many 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 put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.