As a Hardcore Capitalist, Yet Universal Medicare Represents the Optimal Hope for US Healthcare

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this current situation could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.