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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over 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 seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility 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 capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there 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. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.