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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

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

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like much of federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.