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

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require demands a PhD in healthcare.

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

According to a recent study, the average family pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (increasing by 6% from last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down due to political disagreements regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making average wages must contribute approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical American pays. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs versus our current spending on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to many our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to 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 positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.