As a Dedicated Capitalist, But Medicare for All Is the Optimal Hope for American Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

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

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both 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 like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of clients who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When you add those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and more affordable approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank 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 take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.