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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like many federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.