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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will 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 approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I know multiple businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding medical services. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.