I'm a Dedicated Free-Market Advocate, But Universal Medicare Represents the Best Solution for US Healthcare

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, 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 place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that government play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.