Group rallies in the cold for a health care bill

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - In tonight's sub-zero temperatures, people rallied together, asking Senator Conrad to vote in favor of a health care bill, with a public option. Members from the Move-On group say Americans can’t afford to wait any longer, because the current costs are just too much.

Right now, the cost of health care is the number one reason people in America go bankrupt. Every day, 2,547 Americans file for bankruptcy because they can't afford to pay their medical bills.

Tonight, nearly 20 people from the Move On group stood outside the federal courthouse in downtown Fargo, holding candles as a tribute to those who have been bankrupted, or have died because they couldn't pay for care.

Group members say medical care is a right all Americans and North Dakotans deserve. They hope by standing out in the frigid weather shows Senator Conrad how dedicated they are to getting a public option on the bill.

“Every family in North Dakota, northwest Minnesota, all of the country, is one illness away from medical devastation of their finances. It could be breast cancer; it could be a heart attack.”

Move On members are planning another demonstration next Tuesday at noon at Conrad's office.