Supporters of Health Care reform tell health care executives they are “Sick of It”

	The large crowd in attendance at the “Sick of It” health care rally got the attention of passing commuters as well as United Health Care executives. Organizers presented them with letters from angry customers and demands responsible service. PHOTO ALBUM

Sept. 23, 2009 - Nearly 100 union and social organization activists stood up to big insurance companies during rush hour on Tuesday, Sept. 22, to say they are “Sick of It.”

The group said they are sick of big insurance:

• denying claims for no good reason,
• making decisions that doctors should be making, and
• lobbying against sensible health care reform as a means of lining their own pockets.

The “Sick of It” picket was held outside OCSEA headquarters in Westerville—specifically because of its location right across the street from United Health Care—one of Ohio’s largest insurance companies.

Picketers, including OCSEA members and retirees, were noticed by commuters traveling by during the busy rush hour. Large banners and homemade signs sent messages about the importance of health care reform and responsibility in coverage from Ohio's insurance companies.

The large crowd also got the attention of United Health Care executives who eventually came out to speak to event organizers. Of course, United Health Care CEO Stephen Hemsley, who made $3.2 million last year, was not able to make an appearance, but sent a communication representative on his behalf.

Organizers presented him with a decree, "Who’s Really Rationing Care? Letters from Ohioans to Insurance Industry Executives," (PDF) which included letters from angry Ohioans who have been denied care.

The decree also included the following demands:

• United Health Care will not stand between a doctor and a patient when it comes to deciding what care that patient needs. If care is recommended by a qualified physician no one at United Health Care will substitute their judgment for the judgment of the patient’s physician in deciding if care is medically necessary.
  
  
• United Health Care will not deny coverage for a pre-existing medical condition. United Health Care will terminate any policy or incentive that rewards employees financially or otherwise for denying care and rejecting claims.
  
  
• United Health Care will not use any resources – including funds, employees, and facilities — to oppose any aspect of the health reform proposals supported by President Obama and being considered by members of the United States Congress

See Related

"Who’s Really Rationing Care? Letters from Ohioans to Insurance Industry Executives" (PDF)

About Health Care Reform... and why it matters to OCSEA's public employee union members

Download HC Myth Buster Flier (PDF)

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