Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.
Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.
Based on a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.
Currently the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.
How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.
I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.
Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.
Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.
In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.
Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).
It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.
I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.
Are there 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. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.
We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.
A seasoned software engineer with a passion for open-source projects and tech education.
