Although not the only controversial aspect of reform proposals put forward by Democrats and supported by the president, a proposed government-run insurance option as an alternative to plans offered to Americans by private companies has drawn the most attention.

VOA: standard.2009.09.09

"We have 10 percent that we have to work on, and we can do that." In his speech, Mr.Obama is expected to campaign for what is called the public option a government-run health insurance plan which would compete with private insurers.

VOA: standard.2009.09.08

The most disputed part of the bill is a "public option" for individuals and small businesses.

VOA: special.2009.11.13

But labor unions and progressive groups tried to defeat her for opposing a "public option."

VOA: special.2010.06.12

But there is strong resistance in the Senate to a public option.

VOA: special.2009.11.13

Liberal Democrats, including Speaker Pelosi, insist that a public option must be part of any bill eventually passed by Congress.

VOA: standard.2009.09.04

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called a strong public option "essential" for any bill to pass in the House.

VOA: standard.2009.09.10

"I believe that a public option can achieve the goal of bringing meaningful reform to our broken system,"

VOA: standard.2009.10.26

One option they're considering is appointing a lawyer for him, something Karadzic has said he will not accept.

VOA: standard.2009.10.27

And even some Democrats have been debating whether a reform bill should include a government-run insurance plan, known as a "public option."

VOA: standard.2009.10.26

Senator Baucus told reporters on Wednesday that he believes a government option could not pass in the Senate.

VOA: standard.2009.09.09

Conservative Democrats and most Republicans are skeptical of a public option, saying it would lead to nationalized health care in the United States.

VOA: standard.2009.10.26

Republicans argue a government plan, also known as the public option, would undermine the private insurance industry.

VOA: standard.2009.09.04

Julian Porteous,the auxiliary Roman Catholic bishop of Sydney, thinks it will become a popular option.

VOA: standard.2010.07.22