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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally 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 different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.