27 pages. Excerpt: This policy brief sets out the argument for public plan choice. The core argument is that public insurance has distinct strengths and thus, offered as a choice on a level playing field with private plans, can serve as an important benchmark for private insurance within a reformed health care framework. This is not an argument for a universal Medicare program, but instead for a 'hybrid' approach that builds on the best elements of the present system -- large group plans in the public and private sectors -- while putting in place a new means by which those without access to secure workplace insurance can choose among health plans that provide strong guarantees of quality, affordable coverage. The case made in this brief is that this menu of health plans must include a good public plan modeled after Medicare if the broad goals of reform -- universal insurance and improved value -- are to be achieved.  MORE >>