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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

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 is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.