🔗 Share this article As a Hardcore Capitalist, But Universal Medicare Represents the Top Solution for American Health System Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies. Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance. The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025. Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens. When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare? How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable. I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt. How National Health Insurance Could Function A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%. Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases. Execution for America In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies. Advantages for Entrepreneurs 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 better plans. It would render administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers). It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans. Free-Market Viewpoint I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity. Addressing Concerns Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone. Time for Honest Assessment We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.