Physicians and supporters arrested at CareFirst health insurance office to call for real health care reform

Dr. Margaret Flowers and Charles Loubert, 81, will stay in jail until CEO of CareFirst meets to discuss redirecting lobbying funds to pay for patients care

Baltimore, MD – Two physicians and two supporters were arrested today at a sit-in at a Baltimore CareFirst health insurance office. The sit-in is part of a national groundswell of citizens and health care providers demonstrating for meaningful health care reform at insurance company offices.

Doctor Margaret Flowers, a pediatrician who has testified before Congress on the need for meaningful health care reform, was arrested and intends to stay in jail until the CEO of CareFirst has a public meeting with her. She is joined by Charles Loubert, 81, a Baltimore resident and former teacher who was also arrested, and who was denied health care several years ago by his insurer. Both Flowers and Loubert are refusing to give information to the Baltimore police that would lead to their release until Chet Burrell, the CEO of CareFirst, agrees to meet with them publicly to discuss CareFirst redirecting all funds that go to lobbying, advertising, or political contributions to pay for the care of clients who need it. read more: http://www.opednews.com/articles/Dr-Margaret-Flowers-and-C-by-Kevin-Zeese-091029-708.html

Trust is earned.

Single-payer health care advocates arrested in protest

Three single-payer health care supporters were arrested Monday after protesting outside the Mission Valley office of Blue Shield of California. 

The protest was a part of a nationwide campaign to dispute health care companies, who demonstrators claim have been raising premiums throughout the recession and have lobbied against the single-payer system.

“The enormous amounts of money you’ve seen health insurance corporations lavishing on members of Congress, on non-stop TV ads, and advertising is killing us,” said protest organizer Jerry Malamud, who was also arrested. “Where do they get the money they spend to rig debate about the health care system? By denying care to those who need it most - in California one out of every five treatments is denied by an insurance company, resulting in denial of treatments and deaths.”

But a spokesperson for Blue Shield of California says the company has spoken in support of universal health care. Additionally, he said the company has not taken a stand for or against the public option.

The San Diego protest is part of the “Mobilization for Health for All” campaign that started in September. It was created by Center for the Working Poor, Healthcare - NOW! and Prosperity Agenda, and supported by the Single Payer Action Coalition and members of Progressive Democrats of America.

Read more and watch video report HERE.

www.seiu.org

SEIU is doing great work to help get President Obama's health care plan passed through the Senate.