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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium 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 many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.