Hello goat,
The Democrats could not possibly have gotten a public option or single-payer without the Republicans joining in on the legislation. Big Pharma and Big Insurance are just too powerful for either party to go up against alone. The only way to counter that kind of power would be a groundswell of grassroots power driving both parties to join together against big corporate America.
Big corporate America pits the parties against one another, alternately threatening to support the other to get whatever they want from either. And they donate to both parties so they both understand the threat is real. They don't dare go against it. No individuals can go against it, nor a small coalition. It would have to be the majority of both parties.
That's why we don't have single-payer or a public option. And even though Joe Biden made a public option a plank of his platform, it won't happen because it lacks the overwhelming support it needs. What he really meant was: "We can do this if everybody is on board, and I'll be glad to lead that." If he follows through and tries to get legislation, he will run into a brick wall, and he will give it up. I would be surprised if he ever sends down any such suggested legislation.