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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy 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. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.