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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. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements over subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine 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 suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know multiple 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 include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.