Reid says healthcare bill to include public option

WASHINGTON Oct 26 (Reuters) - U.S. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid said on Monday the Senate's sweeping healthcare reform bill would include a government-run public insurance plan that lets states opt out of participation.

Reid said he would send the bill, which combines two pending Senate measures, to the Congressional Budget Office for a cost analysis and begin Senate debate on it as soon as the analysts report their findings. (Editing by Todd Eastham)