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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every 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 decipher the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.