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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

Based on recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.