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

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

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

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

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

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 suggesting national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays about five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I know 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, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both an employee and company payments. Similar to many our government's military, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, including national security to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, we need to tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare globally, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.