Health insurance protest in Howard

HOWARD - Protestors gathered outside the offices of United Healthcare in Howard as part of a national campaign to push for a government insurance plan. The protest was staged as part of a national campaign by a group called "Health Care For America Now." The group is pushing for a national health reform plan that includes a public insurance option.

About a dozen people stood around a United Healthcare sign in Howard and wrapped it with crime scene tape. Protestors say the insurance companies are putting profits above people.

"We're here today to dramatize what we consider the crimes of the for-profit health insurance industry," said Brian Rothgery from Health Care For America Now. "We think it's a crime that insurance companies like United Healthcare deny people care everyday and drop people from care everyday because everyone in this country has a right to health care."

A spokesman for United Health says the company is trying to be part of the solution.

"We're committed to ensuring that all Americans have access to quality affordable health care," said United Health spokesman Greg Thompson. "It's a goal that requires hard work, commitment and not publicity stunts."

The protest was held on United Healthcare property. A Brown County Sheriff's deputy did respond to a complaint from the company about the group putting tape up on private property. The group was ordered to take the tape down and it was taken down. No tickets were issued. And unlike similar protests across the country, no one was arrested.