Define Public Option Meaning

Public Option
open to all persons the power or right of choosing healthcare; private healthcare or government runned

The USA is split on the public option, some think of it as a gov't takeover.
By Ilka
Public Option
...I don't know! I put this up here in hopes of someone filling me in. When Obama says "public option," does he mean private health insurance, like the kind I have now? Or is it another arm of the proposed nationalized health insurance?

'Fewer than 5% on public option?' That sounds ridiculous. Many people will keep their insurance they have now. If the public option is what I wrote above, then that number can't be right!"
By Jobie