I'm a Dedicated Free-Market Advocate, But Medicare for All Represents the Top Hope for American Healthcare

Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households spends $27,000 each year on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Currently the government has ceased functioning due to political disagreements over tax credits which analysts predict will lead to a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system doesn't change. The way our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require contributions from employees and employers. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income pays approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you contrast that with what average American pays. I know multiple clients who are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions include pension plans, sick pay, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution for America

In the US, a national health premium would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like much of federal defense, technology, social programs and transportation services, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a significant advantage for small businesses such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of enduring the complicated (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complications of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for employers as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

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 essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, 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 be healthier, have better attendance and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I'm not addressing? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable strategy both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Honest Assessment

As Americans, must tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. We rank significantly behind many other countries with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one positive aspect in this present circumstances is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.

Jennifer Martinez
Jennifer Martinez

A tech enthusiast and software developer with over a decade of experience in web technologies and digital innovation.