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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

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

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.