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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

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

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will 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 government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember 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 including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium 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 company payments. Similar to many federal military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize 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 enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.