Rally Wednesday protests health insurance companies

A large group of Mainers will be holding a rally and a march across Portland’s downtown Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. "to protest the high profits and unscrupulous practices of Anthem and other private health insurance companies and to advocate for a federal public health care option," organizers reported. A similar rally will be taking place simultaneously in Augusta.

Speakers include Maine Senate Majority Leader Philip Bartlett; small business owner, Sandra Good of Fotoshops in Portland; South Portland resident Allison Fichera, who lacks needed health insurance; and Maine political and legislative coordinator Marianne von Nordeck from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

The rally will take place at Lincoln Park (corner of Franklin Arterial and Congress Street), organizers reported.

Groups leading the rally include Maine People's Alliance and Health Care for America Now.