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

Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on recent research, typical households spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what the typical American pays. I know multiple businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. And, like much of our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make 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 make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

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 needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would still be a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.