As a Committed Capitalist, Yet Medicare for All Is the Best Solution for US Healthcare

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complex, It's Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements over subsidies which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to many our government's military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and more affordable strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms need to happen.