🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average American pays. I know dozens of businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like many federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.