🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.