As a Committed Capitalist, Yet Universal Medicare Represents the Top Solution for US Healthcare

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know dozens of clients that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.