🔗 Share this article

Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

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

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.