As a Committed Free-Market Advocate, But Universal Medicare Represents the Top Hope for US Healthcare

Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Medical advisors. Affordable Care Act. Health Maintenance Organization. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. HRA. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Individual coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Baffled? You should be. Who comprehends 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 a PhD in medical insurance.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on a recent study, the average family spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (increasing by 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say will lead to a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Truly Examine Universal Healthcare?

When will we genuinely evaluate a national health insurance program in the United States? I have to believe we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income must contribute about 5.3% to their healthcare. The company must contribute about thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Not if you contrast it to what average US resident spends. I can name multiple clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages for medical benefits. Remember that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover pension plans, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection in addition to funding healthcare facilities. When you add these expenses versus our current spending for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding 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 those earning less. There would be both worker and company payments. And, like many federal military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to retirement and Medicare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make simpler for us to budget our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and fruitless) theater of negotiating with the big insurance providers required annually each year. Because it's simplified, there would be improved comprehension of coverage among workers – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of current options. And there would definitely exist less liability for employers since we wouldn't would be privy to workers' health histories for weighing risks and different options.

Capitalist Perspective

I'm as capitalist as they get. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in society, including national security to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all via universal healthcare strengthens economic foundations. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half of our GDP. It enables employees to enjoy better health, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Addressing Concerns

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. But with rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act isn't functioning effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite the additional taxes required, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

We as Americans, we need to tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that big changes need to happen.

Dr. Tina Velasquez MD
Dr. Tina Velasquez MD

Cybersecurity specialist with over a decade of experience in software patching and IT risk management.