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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.