The public option was removed from the eventual Affordable Care Act when it passed in 2010. The Democrats did have both houses of congress and the white house a

The public option was removed from the eventual Affordable Care Act when it passed in 2010. The Democrats did have both houses of congress and the white house at the time, but that part of the law was brought down by a filibuster threat from a small group of 'blue dog' democrats. Had it passed, it would surely have been a trojan horse for universal coverage.