As a Dedicated Capitalist, But Universal Medicare Is the Best Hope for US Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

According to recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program 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 advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of clients who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.