With the public option in place you have the choice to keep your private insurance so the insurance companies can steal other people's money to pay for your medical bills.
Until your insurance carrier/company/personal need requires any change whatosever. At that point, you are required, under fedreal law, to take the government option.
You will have to pay taxes (or let them steal money if you're a drama queen) for roads, fire departments, police, etc.
Taxes pay for things that are constitutionally mandated. Theft pays for the other stuff (SSA, medicare, welfare, UI, GM stock options)