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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know 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 in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund 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'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.