Health Insurance Articles
Protest At NYC Health Insurer Office Results In 14 Arrests
2009-10-26
The heated debates surrounding healthcare reform continue to fan the flames of unrest from both sides as protesters held demonstrations upon the very steps of one of our nation's larger private health insurance companies, United Health Group. The demonstrations, planned for Oct. 15, took place in at least nine major metropolitan areas, including Boston, Mass.; Cleveland, Ohio; Los Angeles, Calif.; New York City, NY; Palm Beach, Fla.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Reno, Nev.; and Washington, D.C. There are plans for even more demonstrations in different U.S. cities throughout the month of October.
The coalition that calls itself "The Mobilization for Health Care for All" was responsible for the coordination and organization of the events. The coalition, endorsed by several organizations including Progressive Democrats of America, Code Pink and Physicians for a National Health Program, planned sit-ins and other civilly disobedient activities. Additionally, several of the local chapters planned "die-ins," in which the protesters would lie down and play dead in order to represent the 45,000 Americans who, according to their website, perish each year due to unattainable or unaffordable healthcare. Many of the demonstrators protested in honor and memory of loved ones that have died, they believe, due to a lack of adequate health care.
The common goal of the coalition is to raise awareness of the need for a nationwide single-payer, government-funded healthcare system. They favor a public option, calling it "Medicare for All," while claiming that the death panels already exist within the committees making healthcare decisions regarding claims. Their mission is to put patients ahead of profits. Their intended targets are the offices of larger private healthcare providers. The group believes that Americans deserve better than the abuse they receive from the insurance companies, and that the time has come for real reform. They hope to reverse the corrupt system that allows the health insurers to make billions of dollars in profits while spending millions to frighten the public to retain their stronghold on America's health and money.
Even though they claim that their civil disobedience is nonviolent, the planned protest in New York City made headlines last Thursday when 14 people were arrested during a sit-in at giant health insurer United Healthcare's midtown Manhattan offices. The Associated Press reported that the arrested protesters were being charged with criminal trespass. It was also reported that officials from United Healthcare were not available to comment.
The group plans to continue their nonviolent acts of civil disobedience until the insurance companies no longer keep Americans from their right to receive acceptable healthcare. Their website maintains an outward call for Americans to organize more nonviolent sit-ins, stating that even one person can make a difference.
