The public option (currently on the table) doesn't "force" anyone to use government health insurance. It is an alternative to having to purchase health insurance from the present monopolies and cartels.

But you can still choose the "private option" if you wish. (Great LA Times column BTW, I recommend reading it)

The "public option," as followers of the debate know, is a government-sponsored health plan that would be available as an alternative to, and in competition with, the for-profit health insurance industry, otherwise known as the private option