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

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both an employee and company payments. Similar to many federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage 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 make administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.