As a Committed Free-Market Advocate, Yet Medicare for All Is the Top Solution for American Health System
Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.
Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.
The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly
Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.
Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.
When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?
When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.
I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.
The Way Universal Coverage Would Work
Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.
Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I know multiple 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, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with 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.
Implementation in the US
In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.
Benefits for Small Businesses
Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).
It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.
Free-Market Viewpoint
I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.
Addressing Concerns
Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.
Need for Honest Assessment
As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.