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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average American pays. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to much of federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.