🔗 Share this article

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

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

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like much of federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority 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

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.