I'm a Dedicated Capitalist, But Medicare for All Is the Top Hope for American Healthcare

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income pays about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually 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 complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a superior and more affordable approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations 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 major reforms need to happen.