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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, 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 – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.