Five single-payer protestors arrested (@ Senate hearing on health-care reform)

[sabra]

Source: MSNBC

From NBC's Ken Strickland
Five protesters were arrested this morning at a Senate hearing on health-care reform. The protesters -- some, who identified themselves as doctors and nurses -- were be charged with "Disruption of Congress," according to the Capitol Police spokeswoman. The Senate Finance Committee hearing was a roundtable discussion between senators and experts on the best way to pay for health-care reform.

As the hearing opened, about 25 women, who identified themselves as nurses stood up, turning their backs to the senators. Taped to each of their red shirts were signs that called on Congress to pass what's called a "single-payer system," a system in which the government alone would run health care -- no private insurance.

"Nurses say patients first," the signs read. "Pass single payer."

After standing silently for about five minutes, the nurses walked out of the hearing in an orderly fashion. They were not escorted by police. But shortly after the group left the hearing, more vocal individual protest began. A person stood up and in a screaming or loud voice, called for Congress to pass the single-payer system.

"We want guaranteed health care," one said. "We're tired of private insurance."

Within a minute or so, a police officer escorted the protester out of the room and arrested them in the hallway. This sequence was repeated four more times, ending with the arrest of each individual.

Read more: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/12/1929527.aspx

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[shadowknows69]

1. They probably were nurses

[Joanne98]

2. It took the MSM long enough to report this.,

[Vinca]

4. Hey, hey, hey - they've got beauty queens to cover.

[slay]

3. Good for them!

Sucks our congress is OWNED by the insurance and hospital industries. It should be ILLEGAL to not provide a public option - forceing people to only have private insurance is like handing their lives to these private insurance vultures, who's obligations are to their STOCKHOLDERS and not the patient - they look for any reason to deny somebody. It is sickening in and of itself. Bravo to our brave protesters, nurses, and doctors for standing up to our CORRUPT CONGRESS!!!

[Overseas]

5. K&R ! Thanks for bringing Single Payer into the hearing room. //nt

[Blaze Diem]

6. Who was it that stated that the American people should have the SAME coverage as Congress enjoys??

I do recall hearing this in the last election campaign.

What happened with that promise?

Demand to be heard.

[defendandprotect]

12. Exactly, whatever we put in place, Congress should be covered by it -- !!!

And let's also get control over their ability to increase their own salaries --

They are now making what used to be CEO salaries --


And when was the last time we heard any of them talk about the Reagan-homeless,

the new Bush homeless -- the impoverished children -- and what is it now near 40 million

Americans in poverty????


Hook the Minimum Wage to Congressional salaries!!!

We re living the nightmare of the GOP's "third world America."

[Blaze Diem]

16. Well Stated. You've hit the nail on the head..with health care & their CEO level salaries.

They should all live as they command us to live.

They hold their office by privilege, to the American people.

[AlphaCentauri]

39. I would like to see it becoming a reality n/t

[John Q. Citizen]

7. The fact that the Senate won't allow single payer experts to testify at the hearings is a disgrace.

We want a debate, not a farce.

[EFerrari]

9. It is a farce as we saw when Baucus and his committee laughed

and decided that calling the police on the people was the way to deal with what we want.

[howmad1]

8. Geez, you would a thought........

.....Obama would have made a call to Harry Reid/Max Baucus and asked that single payer advocates be allowed to testify. Hmmmm, kinda makes you wonder if maybe our "progressive" prez is also beholden to the medical/industrial complex. Ya think? Oh, I forgot, our prez did surrounded himself with medical/industrial complex players yesterday. Silly me.

[defendandprotect]

13. White House: 1-202-456-1111 TOLL FREE . . .

CONGRESS ... 1-202-224-3121 TOLL FREE ...

ASK FOR WHOMEVER YOU WANT TO SPEAK WITH SENATE OR REP -- DEM OR REPUG

[wroberts189]

10. I see Baucus got his extra police. nt knr

[defendandprotect]

11. Hope everyone is banging the Single Payer drum with Pelosi, Obama, Sens/Reps . . .????

Pelosi said she's tired of hearing . . . "single payer, single payer -- and that there
will be no single payer" . . .

let her hear it!!!

[Jefferson23]

15. She was trired of hearing of impeachment too, I wonder if she

understands how tired Dems are of hearing her name at all.

[imdjh]

14. [phone] Pelosi's office answers live n/t

[pjt7]

17. Disruption of Senate means

being logical & making a solution for people instead of corporations.

[debbierlus]

20. Dean is fighting for a public option which could be the beginning of single payer

Insurance companies don't want it because they KNOW it is better and it will make them obsolete.

[defendandprotect]

31. Talked to the guy in her office today . . . they want to quickly shove you off to a

recording machine --

And, there was something I wanted to say - other than re health care -- to another
real human being.

He listened to that and then said important to get this stuff recorded . . . so I said
OK -- and asked him if Pelosi listens to any of the recordings. He said, "no," but I
listen to them all and report to her!!

Great -- interesting to know at least that -- but there has to be an "ouch" factor in this
for Pelosi or her staff. They have to be hearing people LIVE every day!!!

Am I wrong??

[DollyM]

18. we will lose our medical cards at the end of the month . . .

Our son turned 19 so we will lose our medical cards at the end of the month. Having a child is the only way to get a medical card in Illinois. We do not have jobs and do not seem to have any on the horizon. My husband is 55 years old and a diabetic. How are we going to pay for his prescriptions, doctor visits and medical care? We have very little income after the state of Wisconsin screwed us over on unemployment--we are getting grand totat of $25.00 a week in unemployment! We have applied for food stamps two weeks ago and still have heard nothing. But the final blow was finding out we will no longer have any medical coverage at the end of the month even though we have no money and no jobs. Why is it in the country that we lose all our worth as people at the age of 19?

[Ms. Toad]

24. Any chance for coverage if he is a full time student?

(Grasping at straws here . . . you lose insurance at 19 if you are not a full time student, maybe it works in reverse if your parents derive their coverage from you?)

Write the pharmaceutical company - they often have compassionate care programs. Here's a link - I can't vouch for the information, but it's a starting point. http://www.mhsanctuary.com/resources/freemed.htm

(This is probably out of your range, but others may find it useful.) If you and your son are healthy, you can probably get short term insurance (around $100 for six months) - it doesn't cover basic medical care, but it kicks in at $1000-$10,000 to provide protection in case of a medical catastrophe. (The plans vary, they don't cover pre-existing conditions, and deductibles are high - so if you're on the verge of bankruptcy it's probably not worth the premium, but if you're somewhere above that and you have anything to protect - a home, for example - it is a stop-gap measure). You just keep rolling from one plan to another every 6-18 months.

[mntleo2]

34. I know it varies from state to state but ...

...apply for GAU (General Assistance), which is attached to the old federal welfare program. Most states allow you to apply online and then they send you a time for an appointment so you can bring in your proof (social security cards, official ID, medical expenses, etc). You will get a list of things required to bring in your letter. Your state gets money from the feds for this program. It is a small stipend of about $300.00 and has food stamps and medical coverage (Medicaid) attached to it. It is for adults without children. Usually their online services are somewhere in your state's "official" website. You can also go into your local DSHS office and get the papers to fill out and perhaps even submit them and make an appointment. The middle of the month is the best time since this is usually the slowest time for them. Be prepared to wait however, bring something to read or do while you wait. It is just part of the deal.

Don't get me wrong. They WILL try to discourage you, and may even try to outright disqualify you, but you have a right to apply and to get a good reason if they say you don't qualify. You can appeal their decision, and often they will concede when you ask for a "Fair Hearing" (this is the vernacular you need to use if your are refused services). Good reasons to qualify are: You have health issues (such as diabetes). You cannot find work and have run out of Unemployment. You are homeless or about to be. Homelessness includes "couch surfing" meaning you are staying at a relative or friend's home. You husband's doctor can help him by filling out the forms DSHS will provide that show he is a diabetic and what his other health issues may be (and the more he or you can name, the better). Depression is often used for a reason to qualify too btw. Also, YOU apply as well. Tell them you cannot see a professional as you do not have the coverage if you feel depression might be a reason for your need to qualify. They will send you to the proper professionals ~ but I would not trust those, I would seek out my own doc that I know will support me for my coverage before I went to my application appointment and then tell them you have someone who knows you, but you do not have the means to pay for it. Most likely they will then pay for you to go to them. Make sure your professional will accept those payments.

GAU only is supposed to be for 3 months, but it can be extended again and again, with a doctor and/or other professional's recommendations (such as a counselor, social worker, etc).

P.S. They are supposed to respond to you for your food stamp application within (I think) 5 days. If you have not heard, ask to speak with a supervisor. That usually gets them going. Also did you know you can request an emergency food voucher? Tell them you are low on food. This will speed things up quite a bit.

I am an activist and advocate in my state (Washington State) for people like you. You deserve these services! You've paid taxes into this System for years, and you are now in need of them. Please PM me if you want support and have any other questions. I know what you are dealing with! Have been there myself, which is why I am an activist!

Love,

Cat In Seattle

Oh and another P.S.: Some or all of your old medical bills can also be covered by Medicaid. Meaning they will backtrack and cover those if you have any and if they think they can cover them. This includes any emergency room visits, prescriptions, etc.

[DollyM]

36. The lady at DHS said our case had been cancelled and we no longer qualified.

She said they did not give medical assistance unless we had a child under the age of 19 or were over 65 or were completely disabled. End of story and she walked away. We applied on line for the food stamps and it said because of our income or lack thereof, we would be contacted within one to two days by a worker. That was two weeks ago today. I know they are backed up but good grief, don't tell someone 2 days and then ignore them. All we can do is try to get everything in we can before the end of the month. Maybe my husband's doctor will give him and extra amount of his prescriptions for a few months. I admit I am really scared about not having medical coverage. It was such a relief to have it, it was one less thing to have to worry about and now we are even losing that. I am dissapointed with Obama that his big plan is to negociate with the insurance companies for lower rates. If you don't have an income, how does that help? It's enough to make me want to move to Canada!

[mntleo2]

38. Ask for a Fair Hearing ...

...and I would not stop at noting how "short" this woman was with you. If what you describe is the way it is, you DO qualify for GAU. It is a federal program, yes supplemented by your state often, but it is there or should be, and if it isn't what the HELL is your state doing with that designated money? Also, if there are any further stalemates, do not be afraid to contact your local legislators about this refusal to even allow you a chance or a say. If they don't help, contact your Federal representatives. If that doesn't work, go to the media.

Also find a group who will support you and where you can support them. They are out there. PM me and I can see if there is a local group and help you to contact someone for support.

The Fair Hearing is mandated as a way to protest their decisions for food stamps, medical and cash assistance. This is probably why the woman walked away because she is afraid you will request it and she will have some 'splaining to do. They do *not* like Fair Hearings, especially when you bring documented proof as to how you qualify and prove them wrong. some non-profits will have a welfare lawyer who will help you with your request (try local non-profits that help with housing, food banks, and the like, they may know of someone who will help you for free). Also ask at the same time you apply for your hearing, to speak with her supervisor about her treatment of you. You are entitled to polite professional treatment, and cutting you short and walking away in the middle of a conversation, is *not* professional treatment.

These people are confronted every day with people in crisis and then have the attitude that you come in there because, well, you had nothing better to do than to go and beg for some help. This is completely false. Most people who have to turn to these services are in dire crisis, and on some level the people who there to serve this crises definitely know it. I do think they hear so much tragedy they can't help with much that they put up walls, which is understandable, but in the place that they choose to work, this insight is part of their job. They are gate keepers and many enjoy that power, while others hate it but feel "trapped" because it is part of their job and both take it out on the client. In the meantime, you are in crises. You have paid for these services for others and now it is your turn. You deserve better treatment than that.

I have more a few more things you might try, but believe me, this is a way to begin your access to what is your right as an American citizne in crises who needs help from our (rather tattered) safety net.

Love
Cat

[debbierlus]

19. Fuck the health insurance companies....nothing but life & money sucking leeches

The nurses and doctors should should up in a mass rally! (And, we should join them)!

[Better Believe It]

21. K & R

[Ms. Toad]

22. Good for them! n/t

[EndElectoral]

23. Really brave people...If only 1000 people would walk in there and do it one at a time.

[defendandprotect]

29. Yes, but citizens also have to be badgering their reps and their STATE Gov & Reps . . .

[reprehensor]

25. "We're tired of private insurance."

Hell yes.

[Waiting For Everyman]

26. The Senate Finance Committee is a disgrace.

K&R for the protestors.

[defendandprotect]

30. And just coincidentally, the guy who took the most money from health care industry is in charge??

[jkilvik]

27. Protesters should learn Senate protocol.

Senators do not like to be interrupted while meeting with campaign contributors.

[defendandprotect]

28. Just a reminder .. . this is our chance to defeat capitalism . . .

and to move to a more progressive agenda -- and to completely defeat corporate fascism...

and the GOP strain of fascism -- i.e., their sexist, racist and homphobic agenda.

And, I quite well imagine that the corporations and GOP also understand this --

IF WE DON'T PUSH SUFFICIENTLY TO GET SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE...

it will be twice as hard to hold onto Social Security -- and remember that it was

Clinton who ended "Welfare" as we know it -- so keep your eye on what this administration

is doing re any social programs. If you want them, fight for them.

Fight hard -- !!!

[EFerrari]

32. I want to be rude to Baucus and his mafia. What's the best way to do that?

[Wednesdays]

33. K&R

:kick:

[greengestalt]

35. So nice seeing Montana in the spotlight again

Violent murderous polygamist sects...

The Unabomber...

The "Freemen"...

"Survivalist" nutbags that want a government that makes the Taliban look liberal...

An 'Abstenince Only' experiment that triples the teen pregnancy and V.D. rates...
-"And I asked they why they didn't use any protection and they told me that; "We heard in School that Condoms don't work and that Homosexuals smear AIDS in them at the factory!"."

A wanna-be "Gitmo 2.0/Abu Grahib" to try to fill a grossly expensive and mostly empty prison. Yeah, unlike Gitmo the detainees will be able to sue the state and get damages once the CIA guy comes with the "Mr. Sparky playset and Bitey the Patriotic Dog" act and leaves with no record of him being there.



And I live in Montana and was born there. I'm sick of all the reactionary and religious nutbags. Most of them actually only came when modern technology made it easier to live here. The sheer murderous climate kept out all but the toughest earlier and "Cold environments breed democracies" folks were pretty tolerant of others since they spent more time trying to survive rather than feed prejudice and religious delusions and the parasites that fed off those.

[Blaze Diem]

37. I grew up in western North Dakota. Montana seemed progressive compared to us.

I swear the 'Right to Life' holier-than-thou's must have began in that State.

As a 4th grader, I believed that God hated me when I almost froze to death, walking home from the school bus. It had to be about minus 20 degrees, and of course the wind was blowing about the same speed, then I realized he must really love me after all when I made it home safe, and stood thawing my frozen fingers under cold tap water.
Yes, God brought me home safe. He was just 'testing' me.
No wonder I stopped going to church as soon as I left home.

My belief is completely different today.