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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.