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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits 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 here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility 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 pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.