I'm a Hardcore Free-Market Advocate, Yet Medicare for All Represents the Top Hope for US Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to 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 have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute about 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage 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 management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.