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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

Based on recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of 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 retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers that we must do 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. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, 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 are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.