As a Hardcore Capitalist, But Universal Medicare Represents the Best Solution for American Health System
Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.
Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.
The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive
According to a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.
Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.
When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?
When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.
I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.
The Way Universal Coverage Would Work
Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays about thirteen point seventy-five percent.
Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average American pays. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to funding medical services. When including those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.
Execution in the US
For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. And, like much of federal defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.
Benefits for Entrepreneurs
A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).
It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.
Capitalist Perspective
I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.
Addressing Concerns
Are there 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 is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.
Need for Honest Assessment
As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.