As a Hardcore Capitalist, But Universal Medicare Represents the Best Hope for American Healthcare

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It's Costly

Based on recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. 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 employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.