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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage 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 – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do 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 certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear 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. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.