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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.