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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict 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 in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. 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. And, like much of federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation 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, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.