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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each 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 complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.