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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.