I'm a Dedicated Capitalist, But Universal Medicare Is the Top Hope for US Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.