As a Dedicated Free-Market Advocate, Yet Universal Medicare Is the Optimal Solution for American Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast that with what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like many federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.