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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, typical households spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

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 proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. 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 more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.