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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? 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 system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.