Video-Occupy LA protests against America’s health care system

Hundreds of protesters demonstrated in downtown Los Angeles, calling for massive reforms to health care in America.

The protesters included activists from Occupy Los Angeles and health care advocates from across the state.

They’re targeting a building with offices for Anthem Blue Cross, one of the largest health care providers in California.

Protesters say they want corporations out of America’s health care system and they want insurance companies to start putting people ahead of profits.

It’s estimated that 50 million people in America lack health insurance.

And more than 18-thousand people die each year as a direct result of not having coverage.

Health care professionals say it’s clear that America has failed to provide the people with adequate care.

Studies show that nearly half of all personal bankruptcies in the United States are triggered by big medical bills racked up because of serious illnesses or accidents.

In most cases, these bankruptcies occur even when the person had health insurance.

Brian Seligman is a former Marine who is struggling to afford coverage to care for his injuries.

Seligman says he’s concerned that American politicians aren’t doing anything to improve the situation.

The protesters marched to the Blue Cross building from a location near the old Occupy encampment at City Hall.

Occupy LA protesters say this demonstration is just another example of how powerful the movement remains, despite repeated attempts by law enforcement to shut it down.

Protesters say they support a bill in the California State Senate that would remove corporate influence from the state’s health care.

They say it would save Californians 345 billion dollars in health care costs over the next ten years.