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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like much of federal defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.