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

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to exceed $17,000 per employee by 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need contributions from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker earning moderate income pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare it to what average American pays. I know multiple businesses that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. There would be both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed by private contractors rather than a government office.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses such as my company. It would place us on a level playing field with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' medical records for risk assessment and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with the additional taxes that would be incurred, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't exceptional. We rank well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid present circumstances could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.