Reply #1: I don't know for sure, because I can't keep up with the

[enlightenment]

various versions, rumors, etc that are swirling around - but I don't think that the Public Option is intended as an alternative that will be open to that many people. It appears (to me) that it will be strictly limited in terms of who can participate in it - all along it seems that Congress (and the WH) have made every effort to ensure that the Insurance companies would not suffer any hardship to their profit margins.

All this talk of how this will 'force' expansion of health care access is just that - talk. There is no evidence to support it beyond wishful thinking. (I've particularly enjoyed the fantasy of "opt-out is GOOD because it will lead to single payer" . . . I would really like to have some of what those folks are smokin' . . .)