I'm a Dedicated Capitalist, Yet Universal Medicare Is the Optimal Hope for American Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

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

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements over subsidies that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I know dozens of businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ the majority of the country's workers 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? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.