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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical 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 tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When including these expenses compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't 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 better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.