I'm a Hardcore Free-Market Advocate, Yet Universal Medicare Is the Best Hope for US Healthcare

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.