I'm a Committed Free-Market Advocate, Yet Medicare for All Is the Top Hope for US Healthcare

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of clients that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of 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 our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.