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

Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. EOB. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average company healthcare expense is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to political disagreements over tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for millions of Americans.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

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 proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. The existing system remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment would change. Trust me, they'll adapt.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

A national health insurance program would need contributions from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Not if you compare that with what average American pays. I can name multiple businesses that are easily contributing anywhere from 8% to 15% of payroll costs for medical benefits. Remember that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and company payments. And, like many federal defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the system should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition against big corporations who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration much easier (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of current options. And there would definitely exist reduced responsibility for employers as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses that employ more than half of American employees and fund half the economic output. It enables employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's clear that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce national pride. America's medical care isn't exceptional. The US places well below many other countries in healthcare quality in the world, according to major studies. Maybe one bright spot in this current situation is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that major reforms are necessary.