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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be 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 definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.