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

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I know dozens of clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like many federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability 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. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.