🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government 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 Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.