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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including 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 raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of federal defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.