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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making average wages pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.