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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now 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 Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? 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 system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.