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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

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

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.