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Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, typical households pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple clients that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with 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 income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits 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 that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.