I'm a Committed Free-Market Advocate, But Universal Medicare Represents the Top Solution for American Healthcare

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I know dozens of clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like many federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.