🔗 Share this article I'm a Committed Capitalist, But Universal Medicare Represents the Best Solution for US Health System Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies. Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare. Our Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025. Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans. When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance? When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue. I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt. How Universal Coverage Would Work Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent. Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases. Execution in the US In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies. Benefits for Entrepreneurs A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators). It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans. Capitalist Perspective I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity. Considering Challenges Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone. Time for Honest Assessment We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.