🔗 Share this article

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

Based on recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning average wages pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When including 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 raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.