Vargas looks for health care solutions by mingling public, experts

Mark Vargas is not impressed with how the other candidates in the race for the 14th Congressional District seat are interacting with constituents on the health care reform dilemma.

"I think we know where people stand on the health care debate," Vargas said. "We already know what the problems are, but let's also come up with some solutions."

Vargas is planning a series of workshops where he'll invite constituents in to speak with him and meet with experts in the health care industry for a discussion on potential solutions.

At those workshops, Vargas expects the solutions will grow from his two principle beliefs on the subject.

"Yes, health care should be available to everybody," Vargas said. "But the idea that the government should somehow subsidize it, I don't agree with that premise."

Vargas compares a government-run health care system to the recent "Cash for Clunkers" program as a perfect example of how the government would transform health care into a "national nightmare."

"Cash for Clunkers was originally a $1 billion program that was supposed to last three and a half months," Vargas said. "It ended up lasting three and a half days before it ran out of money. What makes government think they can manage a trillion-dollar health care program?"

Vargas said he believes tort reform that reduces the need for medical tests done strictly to avoid lawsuits is a major part of the solution. He also said he's a fan of health care savings accounts to pay for medical costs. But there are also many other factors still awaiting answers, Vargas said.

"Eight out of 10 people are happy with the health care that they have," Vargas said. "There are obviously gaps in insurance coverage. And certain medical conditions leave people out in the cold, and that's certainly not our objective."

Vargas said he expects to soon announce workshop dates. They will most likely occur at Judson University in Elgin.