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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.