I'm a Hardcore Capitalist, But Medicare for All Represents the Optimal Hope for US Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Costly

Based on recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes over subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, an employee making average wages pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare strengthens 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 makes it possible employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.