I'm a Dedicated Capitalist, Yet Universal Medicare Is the Best Hope for US Healthcare

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate 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 proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment 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 supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors 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 is not working very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.