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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, typical households spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like much of our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.