The reality of the CBO's odd willingness to average all health insurance out to a "typical" figure is, that the private-sector insurers want only to insure people who don't need it. People who DO need it will either be unable to qualify for private insurance or will be charged prohibitive fees by the private insurers.

So, if you're over 35 (what is the tipping age?) or 40, or have hypertension, you are stuck with the ostensibly more expensive public option -- but for you, the public option would be cheaper than the insurance you can buy from the private sector RIGHT NOW. So, more expensive than what?