I'm a Dedicated Free-Market Advocate, But Universal Medicare Is the Best Hope for American Healthcare

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

Based on recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage 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 administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

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 major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.