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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

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

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability 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 possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. 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 that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.