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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

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

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what average American pays. I know multiple businesses who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.