I'm a Hardcore Free-Market Advocate, Yet Medicare for All Represents the Optimal Hope for American Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It's Expensive

According to recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm advocating for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals get paid would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making average wages pays approximately 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer pays approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that in inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits along with funding medical services. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of our government's military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. 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 make it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would be improved comprehension about benefits among workers – contrasted with the current system which require them to decipher the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that public institutions has a significant role in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, even with increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage 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 major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.