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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. 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.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make 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 for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.