I'm a Dedicated Capitalist, Yet Medicare for All Represents the Best Hope for US Healthcare

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's defense, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.