🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.