Vaccine shows better path for health care

Though not perfect, the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is impressive.

The federal government helped spur rapid creation of viable vaccines, distributed them to the states and local governments acted swiftly to get them into the arms of people, especially underserved communities. It's done at no cost to the individual, minimal red tape involved.

As a physical therapist working in health care, this is a refreshing change to what typically happens in our fractured health care system. As many of us have probably experienced, I have witnessed countless delays and outright denials of care that would make people's lives better by for-profit insurance companies.

Once we get through the public health crisis caused by this pandemic, we'll still have a public health crisis on our hands. That's because our health care system, currently focused on corporate profit instead of care, wasn't working for everyday people before COVID-19 swept the country.

The vaccine rollout and distribution showed that government can and does work for people when we come together and demand bold action to address the crises we face. That's why, as the Medicare for All Act of 2021 is introduced, it is my hope everyday Americans demand our elected officials take it seriously.

Barb Stanerson

Iowa City