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Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.