I'm a Dedicated Capitalist, But Universal Medicare Is the Optimal Hope for American Health System

Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

Based on recent research, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

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

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple clients who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would remain a better and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.