I'm a Committed Free-Market Advocate, Yet Universal Medicare Is the Top Solution for US Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. 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 understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

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

According to recent research, typical households spends $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I have to believe we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare system – an insurance system – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from employees and employers. In comparable systems, an employee earning moderate income must contribute about five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average US resident spends. I can name dozens of businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting healthcare facilities. When including these expenses compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Execution for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It ought to be means-based – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. There would be both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of federal military, technology, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field against big corporations that can pay for better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits among workers – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for companies since we wouldn't have access to our employees' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. But I've learned that public institutions play important functions in society, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would still be a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances could be that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that big changes need to happen.

Laura Simmons
Laura Simmons

Award-winning voice artist and audio producer with over a decade of experience in broadcasting and digital media.

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