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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average 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 is shut down due to political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.