As a Dedicated Capitalist, But Universal Medicare Is the Top Hope for US Health System

Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

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

Now federal operations is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

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

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system 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 company payments. And, like much of our government's defense, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.