As a Hardcore Capitalist, Yet Universal Medicare Is the Best Hope for US Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. 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 defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.