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

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

Based on a recent study, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is projected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe 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 insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple businesses that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions include retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with supporting medical services. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

In the US, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the program could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.