🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

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 those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund 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 haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.