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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. 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 Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.