Eleven Arrested In Health Care Sit In

Eleven people, including one nurse, were arrested at the Regence BlueCross/BlueShield headquarters, October 15th in Portland, Oregon in a protest demanding changes to Regence’s insurance practices and political activitities, and in favor of single payer health care reform. The civil disobedience was organized by the Portland Mobilization for Health Care for All.

“We believe that private insurance companies which put profit ahead of care are the problem,” said protester Peter Shapiro with the Portland Jobs with Justice Health Care Committee. “We are demanding that Regence immediately authorize any doctor-ordered treatment for life threatening conditions and that Regence stop spending ratepayer money on lobbying efforts.”

Thirty people attempted to meet with Regence CEO Mark Ganz, but were turned away and the building was locked down. Protesters then sat at all the doors and driveways, attempting to get Mr Ganz to meet them and agree with their demands.

One hundred people turned out to support those sitting in doorways.

“We support improved and expanded Medicare for all as the solution to our broken health care system” said protester and registered nurse Betsy Zucker. “It's the only solution that will control costs while covering everyone.” Both Shapiro and Zucker were among those arrested.

The demonstration in Portland was part of a national day of action with civil disobedience demonstrations in nine cities including New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Phoenix, Cleveland and Palm Beach, Florida, called by the national Mobilization for Health Care for All.

To view news clips from the protest please click here

Fox 12 Story 

KOIN 6 Story