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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It's Expensive

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

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 essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs 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 haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.