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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down 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 seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what average US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be 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 much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.