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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

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

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

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

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of federal defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.