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Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.