A simple counter proposal to the trigger mechanism that will kill the public option.

An opt-out "killer trigger".  Let the public option start from day 1.  A set of criteria is set up to allow the insurance companies the chance to prove they can hold down costs and premiums and cover everyone.  If after 5 years the insurance companies prove they are more competitive than the public option, the public option is dropped.

Those who say they want to give the insurance companies the opportunity to prove themselves, will have their desires met by this trigger.  The public option can be designed for 2 phases. The 1st phase might be a full price buy-in, where the costs of implementation are fully funded by premiums payed into the system.  If the trigger is not pulled, the 2nd phase of subsidized premiums kicks in for those who are unable to pay full price premiums.

The only reason to oppose an opt-out trigger would be that you know a public option will provide health care much better and cheaper than private insurance companies and you want to design a trigger that will kill a public option before it gets started. 

Let the trigger discussions begin!