I'm a Hardcore Capitalist, Yet Universal Medicare Represents the Top Hope for American Health System

Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate 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 advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income 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 contrast it to what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.