Is It Really Possible to "Opt-Out" of the Public Option?

I often hear the argument from supporters of the so-called "public option" that anyone who does not want to participate can simply "opt-out" and keep their current insurance. There are many problems with this argument.

1) Just like it is impossible to "opt-out" of the public school system, it is impossible to "opt-out" of the public option for health care. Yes, you may choose not to use the public insurance plan, but you cannot opt-out of paying for it.

2) The plan as proposed by the House provides for specific mandates that the private sector insurance companies must comply with in order to be considered a "approved plan". Again, you will have the option to not use the public insurance plan, but your options will be limited to those plans that the government approves. (We actually have this now, but on a state by state basis.)

3) Because the public plan will be subsidized by the government while private plans will be subject to onerous and costly regulations and mandates, this "reform" will crowd out private sector competitors, and leave most of the public, especially lower and middle income families, with no option other than the public option.

Health care reform means tax code reform, tort reform, and allowing for the purchase of health insurance across state lines. Do those things and the market will solve the problem of skyrocketing costs by itself without costing taxpayers a dime.