As a Hardcore Capitalist, Yet Medicare for All Is the Best Solution for American Healthcare

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make management much easier (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, including national security to funding needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes required, would remain a better and less expensive approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.