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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

According to a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.