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Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I know dozens of businesses who 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 along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both worker 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.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities 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 alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.