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Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension 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 less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.