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Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

According to a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers 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 decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.