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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

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

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.