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In Week of Health Care Developments,Thousands Gather to
Rally Against Insurers
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Tens of thousands of activists, seniors, union members, and
religious leaders protested against insurance company abuses on
Tuesday in front of the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C., where
America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) leaders were meeting.
The enthusiastic crowd chanted and brandished their signs,
demanding that Congress finish their health care reform fight.
Several Alliance for Retired American groups were among the
activists who turned out in full force.
The same day, Alliance members participated in a conference call
on health care with White House Senior Advisor David Axelrod.
On Wednesday, President Barack Obama delivered a passionate,
campaign-style health care stump speech in St.Charles, Missouri,
just outside of St. Louis. Ten Alliance members attended that
event.
The next day, the Congressional Budget Office announced that the
Senate health care plan would cut the deficit by $118 billion
over a decade. Also on Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Harry
Reid (D-NV) outlined in a letter to Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
his plans to use reconciliation to make budget-related changes
to the health reform legislation passed by the Senate in December.
The procedure will allow the changes to pass with a simple
majority in the Senate, rather than a super-majority of 60 votes.
Reid noted in the letter that the bill reduces health care costs
and fills the prescription drug "donut hole" for seniors while
reducing the deficit. "We urge Congress to take the next step
and pass this legislation, for the benefit of all Americans,
especially seniors, who are feeling the brunt of health
insurance abuses," said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the
Alliance.
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