PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Universal Health Care rally
by Jessica McPherson, for Rustbelt Radio Sunday, Jun. 18, 2006 at 10:03 AM
radio@indypgh.org (email address validated) 412-923-3000

Supporters of universal health care held a rally in downtown Pittsburgh on Wednesday, June 7, in front of the headquarters of insurance giant Highmark.

The rally was sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Single-Payer Healthcare, in affiliation with the national group Healthcare-NOW! Healthcare-NOW supports a national bill for universal health coverage introduced to the U.S. house of representatives by Michigan representive John Conyers. The Pittsburgh rally was one of many held in cities across the nation. About 100 people gathered, including representatives of several labor unions healthcare providers, and religious groups.

The Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Single Payer Healthcare is working to advance a comprehensive healthcare reform proposal that would provide universal health coverage for all Pennsylvanians. The proposal has been introduced into the P.A. house and senate, as HR. 2722 and Senate Bill 1085.

Ed Grystar, an organizer of the Pittsburgh rally, said they chose to protest outside of the Highmark offices because the company represents "all that is wrong with the healthcare system". According to protesters, Highmark reported a surplus of 2.8 billion dollars in 2005, while 46 million Americans were uninsured. The Pennsylvania single-payer proposal would abolish insurance and pay for medical expenses directly from a fund raised through a ten percent payroll tax and several other sources. According to advocates, the elimination of insurance companies from the healthcare system would result in a 20 percent reduction of healthcare costs.

In a statement, Highmark said its surplus was within limits considered appropriate by state insurance officials and that it provided $140 million last year in financial support for a variety of community programs, including more than $101 million to help hold down health care costs and expand access for lower-income families, older adults and children.