More on the public health insurance debate, this time on the faceoff between small business groups over whether it’s a great idea that will increase choice and lower premiums, or an unnecessary government intrusion into the private market:

As Congress prepares to do battle over health reform, a parallel dispute is shaping up among small-business groups that are staking out opposing positions on a key element of reform proposals: whether Uncle Sam will take on a bigger role in offering insurance coverage or leave the field to the private market.

The so-called “public option,” backed by President Obama and many Congressional Democrats, would set up a government-backed health insurance plan that would compete with private plans. Though details remain fuzzy, the proposal already has critics on both sides of the aisle decrying “government-run health care.” The American Medical Association and private insurers oppose any public option…[read more]