As a Dedicated Capitalist, But Medicare for All Is the Best Hope for American Health System

Deductibles. In-network. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Shared insurance. Benefit advisers. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. HSA. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Not the typical entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Healthcare System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, typical households pays $twenty-seven thousand annually on medical coverage (up 6% compared to last year). Typical company healthcare expense is expected to surpass $17,000 for each worker by 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently federal operations has ceased functioning because political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How our healthcare providers get paid would change. Believe me, they'll adapt.

How National Health Insurance Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. Their employer pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you compare that with what the typical American pays. I know dozens of businesses who are routinely paying anywhere from eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and unemployment benefits in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would contribute higher amounts than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. And, like much of federal defense, IT, social programs and transportation services, the system could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Small Businesses

Universal healthcare coverage represents a significant advantage for entrepreneurs like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with major insurers that we must do each year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements where they have to decipher the complexities of current options. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies since we wouldn't would be privy to our employees' health histories for purposes of weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Providing healthcare to all through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for small businesses which hire the majority of American employees and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. But expanding universal Medicare, even with the additional taxes required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to tone down our own arrogance. America's medical care isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot amid current situation could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes are necessary.

Joseph Chandler
Joseph Chandler

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering industry trends, game development, and esports events worldwide.