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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.