🔗 Share this article

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will 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 proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what the typical American pays. I know multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for 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, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.