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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.