Independent of the presence or absence of a public option, the benefits of a private market largely depend on whether an actual competetive market with consumer

Independent of the presence or absence of a public option, the benefits of a private market largely depend on whether an actual competetive market with consumer choice and pricing comparison can exist. In the US it cannot due to regulatory capture and occupational licensing plaguing the industry and creating massive market distortions. Consumers are completely disconnected from pricing. Single payer and private markets can be complimentary, with private insurance funding more personalized care and a recourse from the dreaded death panels. Single payer with private markets seems to be the model many countries are converging on.