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

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – seems like it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Costly

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

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 approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? 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 to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like much of federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.