Sonji Wilkes worries about how she will continue to pay for her young son's medical bills, which are approaching $1 million a year.

Thomas, now 3, was diagnosed at birth with a severe type of hemophilia that has required up to $750,000 annually in treatment.

Already, Thomas has been kicked off of their private insurance company's policy after reaching the $1 million lifetime limit, his mother said.

He has since been approved for CoverColorado, a last-resort insurance plan from the state for people who do not qualify for private insurance.

However, CoverColorado has a $1 million limit as well - a figure Thomas likely will reach in a year.

On Sunday evening, Wilkes, along with her husband and three children, were at the state Capitol with hundreds of others to spread the word about health care reform and hear more about Michael Moore's new film Sicko.

The movie, due to be released Friday, is an examination of the country's health insurance industry and Moore's view of what should be done to change it.

An Aurora woman, Donna Smith, was featured in the film about her struggle with the health care industry.

"Some lost all they had worked for, and some lost their lives," Smith said at the rally. "No Coloradan - no American - should ever have the want for adequate health care."

The Oscar-winning filmmaker, wearing a black T-shirt and a baseball cap, attended the rally to promote the new film.

Moore spoke for several minutes to the crowd about the war in Iraq, George W. Bush, the mainstream media and the health care system.

"In other societies and countries, it is the worst thing to do to let too many people slip between the cracks because the whole society suffers," Moore said.

He also said the cost of the Iraq war could cover government- funded health care.

At one point, a man wearing earphones and shorts tried to rush up the steps to where Moore stood near the microphone and shouted obscenities at him. The man was quickly removed by Moore's security.

Wilkes' husband, Nathan, also addressed the crowd and told his family's horror story of dealing with insurance companies.

One of the possible solutions to getting more help for their sick toddler, Nathan Wilkes said, is to get a divorce and give custody of the children to Sonji Wilkes, making the child eligible for Medicaid benefits.

Nathan Wilkes balked openly at what he said was the ridiculousness of getting a divorce to receive health care.

His solution is to de-privatize insurance and make it a government-funded benefit for all citizens.

"Band-Aids do not work on a system that is hemorrhaging," Nathan Wilkes said, drawing cheers.

prietob@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5219