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Since the doctors, insurers and drug companies blocked health care reform 15 years ago, the cost of health care has about doubled, rising twice as fast as inflation.

Americans spend more than any other industrialized nation, yet get worse outcomes and do not live as long. No wonder nearly everyone thinks something must be done, and soon.

The big question so far seems to be whether reform will include a chance to choose a public health insurance plan, something like Medicare only available to everyone. Or will Americans be limited to the existing private plans?

We put the question to 25 Words or Less readers.

A few pointed to the cost-effective success of Medicare and urged that something similar be available to all.

One said Medicare and other government programs are failures that should not be repeated.

Dr. Steven Fenichel, a retired dermatologist, went to Washington, D.C., to protest in favor of an all-public, single-payer option. That gave him the experience and motivation to write a clever enough answer to win this week's coveted 25 Words or Less cup.

Speaking of public programs, with the Consumer Price Index running negative for the past 12 months, sometime in early fall senior citizens will find out that next year's Social Security cost of living increase will be no increase at all.

Is it fair how Social Security is adjusted for inflation? That next question is below.

Kevin Post, business editor

Should health reform include

a public insurance option?

Sen. Baucus' raucous caucus arrested 13 docs and 'nursus.' "All reform on the table," said Baucus, except single payer ... making it a bogus Baucus caucus.

Steven Fenichel, M.D. (member of Baucus 13), Ocean City

We already have public health insurance: Medicare. Expand it to cover all Americans 100 percent. Saves lives; saves money. Check out Rep. Conyers' bill HR 676.

Annette Schreiber, Stafford Township

Yes, health reform should include a public option. Hopefully people will be able to afford the premiums, which will continue to escalate every year.

Bob Patterson, Wildwood Crest

The government has run Medicare and Medicaid into the ground! Why would we want more government interference? Oh, did I mention Postal Service and Amtrak?

Bob Monaco, Harvey Cedars

Yes, since Medicare has shown to be 25 percent less expensive due to public funding, then a public insurance option should be more affordable.

Tony Latona, Little Egg Harbor Township

Yes, then charge for more health care options added to it, like a car. We should expand Medicare, re-open old (closed) military medical centers.

Joy Roehnert, Egg Harbor City

The next question

Is the Social Security

cost-of-living adjustment fair?

Send your answer, in 25 words or less, by e-mail to kpost@pressofac.com.

Send regular mail to Kevin Post, Business editor, The Press of Atlantic City, 11 Devins Lane, Pleasantville, NJ 08232.

Either way, include your name, address and phone number for confirmation and a place to send the 25 Words mug if you win.

Include suggestions for future topics, anything related to money worth fixing or exploring.

Responses will appear in the Marketplace section of July 12.

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