I'm a Hardcore Free-Market Advocate, But Medicare for All Represents the Best Solution for American Healthcare

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

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

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses that are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

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 against big corporations who can afford better plans. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens economic foundations. It's a better, simpler approach for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation isn't functioning very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a better and more affordable approach for not only managing medical expenses but providing access for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances could be that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.