Today's News and Observer Column

Focuses on the inclusion of the pared-back public option....public option light that was included in the Senate bill. I had to write the column by Wednesday before Senate bill text was out....then yesterday the House bill text did come out.

Both in include a public option that requires the govt insurance plan to set up networks and negotiate rates. The CBO says the House version will sign up 6 Million folks. Today there are 160 Million with employer provided insurance. The Senate version is likely to be similar and has an opt out provision, so if some states opt out, even fewer would be covered by the public option.

I am sure that public option will get much press and debate, but it is not the most important issue.