I'm a Dedicated Free-Market Advocate, But Universal Medicare Is the Top Solution for US Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine 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 that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many federal military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.