As a Dedicated Capitalist, Yet Universal Medicare Is the Top Hope for American Health System

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

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

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding 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 an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal military, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) 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 the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.