By a 15-8 vote, the Senate Finance Committee just made sure the so-called public option will not be part of its version of legislation to overhaul the nation's health care system.

As the Associated Press notes, the outcome is not a surprise.

A public option — basically a government-backed alternative to private or employer-paid insurance — is part of four other bills that have been passed by Congressional committees. And, as we reported just a short time ago, a key Senate Democrat says there are enough votes in his chamber to keep the public option in any health care plan.

For much more on the health care debate, and other health-related issues, check the NPR Health Blog.