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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for weighing risks 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 society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund 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 haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.