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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

According to recent research, typical households spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? 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 system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.