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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.