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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will 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 proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I know multiple businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.