I'm a Committed Free-Market Advocate, But Medicare for All Is the Top Solution for American Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

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

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making 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 it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.