Heath bill a good start; efforts appreciated

Though the health care reform bill near passage isn't everything those of us who have fought hard for reform had hoped for, it is still a good start to providing the safeguards needed to protect access to health care. We will finally start making delivery of care more efficient and cut out wasteful spending.

Private insurers will be held responsible for providing the services that consumers pay for. Citizens who have health crises won't have to worry about their benefits being cut off or watered down. And those with pre-existing health conditions will be able to get coverage.

Thank you to all who pushed past the fearmongering and propaganda to get this bill into final action. Thank you, President Barack Obama, for making this historic legislation a reality.

Jerry Woodens

Cedar Rapids