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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

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 government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits 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 management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses 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 exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.