As a Dedicated Free-Market Advocate, Yet Medicare for All Is the Best Hope for US Healthcare

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes over subsidies 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 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 proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

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

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments 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

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments 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 bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.