I'm a Hardcore Capitalist, But Medicare for All Is the Best Solution for American Health System

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for companies – or for our families – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump from 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require payments from both employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what average American pays. I can name multiple clients that are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complicated (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in our lives, 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 that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. And I realize that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.