I'm a Hardcore Capitalist, Yet Medicare for All Is the Top Solution for American Health System

Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee making moderate income pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients who are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs versus what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

In the US, 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 lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.