From our president: Health care for all

"There is now no doubt of the growing wave of popular sentiment in favor of an efficient public health program," we wrote in 1939 as a similar debate fractured the country. "This National Health bill can die or be delayed in committee; can be defeated in either Congressional house; can be emasculated at almost any point in the legislative process." It ultimately was.

But this year, this time, it wasn't. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that passed in March will go a long way toward providing affordable, reliable health care for all consumers.

10,000 voices

Some 10,000 people told us their health-care stories as we made it a top priority to improve the system. When the Washington lobbyists for antireform groups tried to stop the process, we reminded policymakers of the real people who had real problems getting the health care they need.

One was Jill Thomason, a hairdresser in Dalton, Ga., who told us that her insurance premiums increased twice a year until she finally had to drop her policy. "I don't go to the doctor,'' she said. "And if there was something wrong with me, I could not pay for the treatment."

And Mark Yurkiw, from Westport, Conn., who should be regularly screened for cancer, told us, "Each year I have earmarked $1,500 to take the test, and each year my insurance went up $1,500, forcing me to use that money to pay the premium instead of getting the test."

Ed Morris, a doctor who owns a fitness center in Franklin, N.C., said, "As a physician, I am aware of the value of adequate health insurance for my employees but must face the reality of skyrocketing costs for the business." Because of that, he's had to think twice about hiring more full-time workers.

We are grateful to those who brought their stories to us and on to Washington. We'll continue our work to shape and monitor reform so that it delivers on the promise of a healthier and more secure future for Americans.