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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

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

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages pays about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of clients that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.