As a Hardcore Capitalist, But Medicare for All Represents the Best Hope for American Healthcare

Deductibles. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Dependent coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – seems like demands advanced expertise in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

According to a recent study, typical households pays $27,000 each year for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government has ceased functioning due to partisan disputes over tax credits that experts say could cause premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage in the United States? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing for our current Medicare program – an insurance system – simply expand to include all citizens. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers receive payment changes. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker making moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this seem expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple businesses who are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and unemployment benefits in addition to supporting medical services. When you add these expenses compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

In the US, a national health premium would increase existing Medicare taxes, a system that is already in place. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. And, like many our government's military, technology, welfare services and infrastructure, the system could be managed to third-party administrators instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be 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 render administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding remitted like retirement and Medicare taxes, instead of individual transactions to insurance companies and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier for us to budget our yearly costs, instead of going through the complex (and fruitless) process of bargaining with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension of coverage by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complexities of existing plans. Additionally there would certainly be less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. But I've learned that government has a significant role in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables for workers to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses experienced in recent years, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where big changes are easier to implement. But expanding universal Medicare, despite increased taxation required, would still be a better and less expensive approach for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

As Americans, we need to reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality in the world, 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 need to happen.

Sydney Trujillo
Sydney Trujillo

A renewable energy expert with over a decade of experience in solar and wind power systems, passionate about eco-friendly innovations.