As a Dedicated Free-Market Advocate, Yet Universal Medicare Is the Best Hope for US Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It's Costly

According to a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

For America, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. 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 remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' health histories for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. However I recognize that public institutions 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 represents superior, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would still be a superior and more affordable strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.