As a Hardcore Capitalist, Yet Universal Medicare Represents the Best Solution for US Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It's Expensive

According to recent research, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like much of federal defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.