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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. 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 to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear 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 universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a better and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.