I'm a Committed Free-Market Advocate, But Medicare for All Is the Optimal Hope for American Health System

Deductibles. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

According to recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When you add those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.