I'm a Dedicated Capitalist, But Universal Medicare Is the Best Hope for American Healthcare

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% 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 government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you compare it to what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase 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. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers 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. Given all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes are necessary.