As a Committed Free-Market Advocate, But Medicare for All Is the Best Solution for US Healthcare

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complications of current options. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation could be that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.