I'm a Hardcore Capitalist, Yet Medicare for All Represents the Top Hope for US Health System

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average business owner. Neither the average employee. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – seems like it requires advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

According to recent research, the average family spends $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $17,000 per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now federal operations has ceased functioning because partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How medical professionals get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

A national health insurance program would require contributions from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making average wages must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Not if you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name multiple businesses who are routinely paying between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, those payments also cover pension plans, illness coverage, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with our current spending for our retirement plans, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It should be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to many our government's military, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced to third-party administrators instead of a government office.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would make simpler to plan expenses annual expenditures, instead of enduring the complex (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with the big insurance providers that we must do every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and different options.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare for everyone via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below many other countries with the best healthcare in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we take a hard look in the mirror and agree that major reforms are necessary.