A short, possibly dumb, idea that does not quite stand up to the diary guidelines, but something that I really wanted to throw out to the intellectual wolves and see if it could survive.
What if a site was set up where you could (safely and securely first) anonymously post your health information for all insurance companies submit a closed bid for what they would insure you for?
Of course it would require IT specialists to prevent spoofing the system so as to prevent companies from colluding and fixing, but given a concrete set of parameters, they would provide an offer of contract that people would be able to compare pricing for similar levels of coverage.
Of course, this is all a secondary process that would come AFTER a strong, viable public option, but unless I'm wrong, would this be able to force their cards on the table?
I welcome and encourage all criticism, like I said, just spitballing something here, and if you know my posting history, I'm doing this all in good faith.