AUGUSTA -- They told stories about what happens to people who don't have health insurance.

They beat a drum to emphasize their passion.

They held signs and chanted to send a clear message to Washington -- they believe it's time for single-payer health care.

More than 200 people came to the parking lot outside the Maine State Museum Saturday to express their support for a major change to the health-care system. Pat LaMarche, a Green Independent who has run for governor and vice president, said now is the time to make sure everyone in the U.S. has health insurance.

"We're doing good for every single person in the U.S. and beyond," she said.

However, across the parking lot, a smaller but just as passionate group held signs and chanted too. They fear that government won't do a good job running a health-care system.

The Maine Heritage Policy Center brought about 40 people together who believe a private system will provide better care.

"We're extremely concerned about a government takeover of health care," said Tarren Bragdon, executive director of the center. "We believe health care should remain private."

Both sides acknowledged that the current system is broken.

They disagree about the best way to fix it.

LaMarche served as emcee for the event, where cancer patients, physicians, labor leaders and others talked about the need for Mainers to contact the congressional delegation to encourage it to support a single-payer system. Congress is due to begin serious deliberations in the coming weeks about how to improve the nation's health-care system.

Jerry Call, who has demonstrated in Washington for health reforms, said people should support Sen. Ted Kennedy's efforts to reform the system.

"Sen. Kennedy has been pushing for health care for the common man for years," he said. "Sen. Kennedy, we are behind you. Push for that single-payer system that you've always wanted."

The concept behind a single-payer system is that all Americans are covered, which supporters say will lower costs and ensure access for everyone. They advocate for a public, nonprofit system so physicians don't have to answer to insurance companies.

Dr. William Clark, a retired member of the Harvard Medical School faculty, said doctors spend too much time and money on paperwork.

"Physicians understand a single-payer system would eliminate these distractions," he said.

Bragdon agrees that "health care absolutely is in crisis."

"We firmly believe everyone should have access to high quality, private insurance," he said. "I work too hard to force my family onto government health care."

Susan Cover -- 620-7015

scover@centralmaine.com