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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like many federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding 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 the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. 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 amid current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.