I'm a Committed Capitalist, But Medicare for All Is the Top Hope for US Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because partisan disputes over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting medical services. When including those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like much of our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render management much easier (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would certainly be less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to our employees' health histories for 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, including national security to funding essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, must tone down national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places significantly behind numerous nations with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid present circumstances is that we take serious examination at ourselves and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.