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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

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 their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like many federal defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist 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 the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind 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 in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.