🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare that with what average American pays. I know dozens of clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.