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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of clients who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.