ProgressOhio

"We will not sacrifice profitability for membership." -WellPoint CEO Angela Braly to investors, April 2008.

We need your help in Columbus on Tuesday.

Two weeks ago, we launched the Health Care for America Now campaign in cities across the country. Our question for decisionmakers in Washington and in state capitols across the country: "Which Side Are You On?" Are you with us for quality, affordable health care for all? Or are you for leaving us on our own with the insurance industry?

Click here to take action

Already, the health insurance industry has started its own campaign, and it launches this Tuesday in Columbus. They're claiming their new "Campaign for an American Solution" is a "grassroots" movement to "reform" the health care system.

We're going to call it what it is: Industry is running a PR campaign to protect its profits in the face of massive public outcry about the health care system.

This Tuesday, we need YOUR help to tell the real story of how the insurance industry puts profits first:

• From 2000 to 2006, Health insurance premiums in Ohio increased more than 8 times faster than paychecks.
• From 2003 to 2007, the biggest health insurer in Ohio saw its profits double - and shipped out of Ohio.
• Meanwhile its top two executives made over $9 million in 2007.
• In 2006 health insurers gave $135,000 to candidates for Governor and State Legislature to be sure that the State didn't enact laws to protect Ohio's health consumers.

This Tuesday, while the Industry holds its sham "grassroots" event at the YWCA downtown, we'll be rallying outside. We need YOU to help us let the public know what the Industry is really up to. Tell the real story of the health care crisis in this country and why we need real reform. We need you to ask the leaders of your community, "Which Side are you on?" Are you with us for quality, affordable health care for all? Or are you for leaving us on our own with the insurance industry?

WHAT: "Which Side Are You On?" March and rally

WHO: HCAN (Health Care for America Now) coalition partners

WHEN: Tuesday, July 22, 11:00 AM

WHERE: March from Hyatt on Capitol Square (corner of State and S. 4th Sts.) to the YWCA (65 S. 4th St., downtown Columbus)

Click here to RSVP.

We will provide signs and banners.

Can't come Tuesday? Click here to tell us YOUR health care story. The Industry puts profits before people - how has that impacted you and your family?

1.2 million Ohioans continue to go without health insurance. And for those of who are insured, we keep paying more and getting less.

Insurance companies are launching their campaign Tuesday to protect their bottom line, so they can keep putting profits before people.

It's time to put our leaders to work for taxpayers again, not for big insurance companies.

Click here to take action today.

Thanks for your support!

Brian Rothenberg
Executive Director
ProgressOhio.org

Click to Subscribe to "Shadows on High"

Please forward to your friends and colleagues!

ProgressOhio - "We're Powered By You"