Why are we still worried about whether reform includes a public insurance option? The president went before Congress and outlined very clearly the bill he wants to see, nay, the bill he's willing to sign into law. Then they put it up on the official White House web site. It states:
Offers a public health insurance option to provide the uninsured and those who can’t find affordable coverage with a real choice. The President believes this option will promote competition, hold insurance companies accountable and assure affordable choices. It is completely voluntary. The President believes the public option must operate like any private insurance company – it must be self-sufficient and rely on the premiums it collects.
So, there you have it. When a bill makes its way to the president, it will include this, or he won't sign it. He'll send it back for further work.
He was very clear on that process when he said things like:
First, I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficits -- either now or in the future.
And now all the proposals are there in black and white on whitehouse.gov. Why do we still worry?
If you haven't already, you should also read the rest of the proposals the president is willing to sign into law.