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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

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

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.