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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. 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? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average American pays. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like much of our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.