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Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy 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 exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.