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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

According to recent research, typical households spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating 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 where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.