I'm a Committed Free-Market Advocate, Yet Universal Medicare Represents the Top Solution for American Healthcare

Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.