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The need for health care reform took on personal tones Tuesday at a rally in downtown Williamsport.

The Healthcare for America Now rally, attended by some 30 people in front of the Highmark Medicare Services building, 175 Pine St., included those holding placards and giving testimonies about what's wrong with the current state of health care.

They included people such as Karen Kirk of Cogan Station, who called the health insurance industry the greatest obstacle to reform.

A former health care administrator, Kirk said the past 25 years have seen dramatic increases in health insurance costs and decreased medical coverage.

"Where is the money coming from?" She asked. "Even if you know the system, you are going to be constantly fighting it."

Many of those attending the rally called for support of the health plan sponsored by House Democrats.

The "public option" seeks to expand health care coverage to some 40 million uninsured Americans and includes a government-run insurance plan to compete with private companies, a requirement that all Americans have health insurance, a prohibition on denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions and, to pay for it all, a surtax on the wealthiest households.

Alison Hirsch, organizer for Pennsylvania Healthcare Access Network, said while Medicare also would help fund it, it would come from Medicare reimbursements to insurers.

Just prior to the rally, Hirsch and other walked into the offices of Highmark Medicare Services to demand a meeting with company official John Comerford, who was not available.

The protesters were armed with the following list of demands for Highmark:

Highmark will not stand between a doctor and a patient when it comes to deciding what care that patient needs. No one at Highmark will substitute their judgment for the judgment of the patient's physician in deciding if care is medically necessary.

Highmark will not deny or drop coverage based on a pre-existing condition.

Highmark will terminate any policy or incentive that rewards employees financially or otherwise for denying care and rejecting claims.

Highmark will not use any resource - including funds, employees, and facilities - to oppose any aspect of the health reform proposals supported by President Obama and being considered by members of the U.S. Congress.

Occasionally, protesters joined in the chant: What do we want? Health care. When do we want it? Now!

As motorists passed by, some sounded vehicle horns in support, while others yelled out car windows deriding the protesters.

Catherine Rossiter of Bradford County said she counts herself among those favoring a public option.

"It's a moral and ethical issue," she said.

Rossiter, who formerly sold corporate jets including to health insurers, said those companies are some of the biggest abusers of the health care system in their purchase of expensive perks for their employees.

"I got sick to my stomach and wouldn't do it (sell jets) anymore," she said.

She called for ending the disparity between those who can afford health insurance and those who cannot.

Rev. Tom Reeder, rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, said health care should be provided for all.

"In light of the words of Jesus," he said. "Anyone who says they are Christian and against health care for all should be ashamed of themselves."

Hirsch noted that only a small minority of the people in America want to keep health care the way it is.

Doctors, who spend much of their time dealing with insurance companies attempting to deny claims, are among those in favor of reform.

At the same time million of dollars are spent by lobbyists and health insurers to beat back reforms.

Charles Mercer of Hughesville, who has fought cancer for more than a year, noted his expensive medical bills have caused him a lot of stress.

He's thankful his Medicare provider has been able to take care of many of his bills, but others with health problems are not so fortunate, he said.

His reason for attending the rally was to help ensure improved health coverage for his children and grandchildren.

As a pastor, he said, "I am concerned with health care reform because I read the gospel."

He then cited a passage from the Book of Matthew, which read in part, "I was sick and you cared for me."

Highmark officials later released the following prepared statement:

"We agree there is a comprehensive need for health care reform to build on the strengths of today's employer-based system. In addition to expanding coverage to more Americans, we believe that controlling the rising costs of health care must be a focal point of reform. Rising costs have become the primary driver of higher insurance premiums, which has affected American families and businesses. Highmark has developed programs that have helped control costs and improve quality, such as changing provider payment incentives to help ensure the delivery of high-quality care and encouraging healthy lifestyles to prevent disease. We believe programs like these should be the cornerstones of reform. Highmark continues to be driven by its mission of providing access to quality, affordable health care coverage to the entire community. We remain committed to supporting programs that help improve the health and well being of our members and the community. In 2008, the company provided financial support of more than $130 million for a variety of programs, including more than $121 million to help hold down the cost and expand access to health care coverage for lower-income families, older adults and uninsured children. Nearly 90 cents of every health care premium dollar Highmark receives is used to pay for medical care for our members. In 2008, Highmark spent about nine cents of every health care dollar on administrative costs, which includes many programs and services to help our members lead healthier lives. For every dollar Highmark received in premiums, the company earned less than one penny in profit."