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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government 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 National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.