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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.