RUMFORD — The Maine AllCare River Valley chapter met at the Rumford library on Saturday morning, April 18, for updates and announcements, and to formulate a plan for the next few months.

Group leader Joe Sirois spoke of the March legislative committee meeting in Augusta when Maine citizens, many from the medical community, presented testimony on the urgent need for improved and equitable health care.

Sirois and five other local chapter members attended in support.

Testimony also emphasized that the Medicare for All concept gives relief to business owners burdened with providing health insurance and to employees who must restrict themselves to jobs that provide health-insurance benefits.

LD384, a bill to fund a three-year study of the feasibility and methodology for implementing universal, single-payer health care for Maine citizens, received nearly unanimous support from the bipartisan committee on Insurance and Financial Services and will be voted upon by the full legislature.

Chapter members will distribute information at fairs and other public events as they continue to raise awareness of the healthcare effort.

The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 14. FMI: contact Sirois at [email protected].