I'm a Committed Capitalist, Yet Medicare for All Is the Optimal Hope for American Health System

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

According to recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render management much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and Medicare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.