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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

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 that can pay for better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.