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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements over subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average American pays. I know multiple businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase 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 worker and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government 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 our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.