Residents urge Garfield County commissioners to press federal lawmakers to protect Medicaid funding

Dozens of Garfield County residents and nonprofit leaders urged the Board of County Commissioners on May 19 to oppose proposed federal cuts to Medicaid — known in Colorado as Health First Colorado — and requested that the board pass a formal resolution asking state and federal lawmakers to preserve current coverage levels.

The pleas came during the public-comment portion of the meeting, when speakers described local reliance on Medicaid for hospitals, nursing homes and services for children and people with developmental disabilities. “I am looking for you to help by voting against that big, beautiful bill,” said Judy Haynes, a Glenwood resident who said about 14,000 Garfield County residents rely on Medicaid. Haynes asked the commissioners to send a resolution to Washington and Denver supporting the current level of coverage.

Why it matters: County leaders said Medicaid cuts could affect local hospitals, clinics and social-service providers. Speakers from Valley View Hospital, Mountain Valley Developmental Services and other nonprofits described the program as critical to keeping rural hospitals and care programs solvent and to supporting employment and long‑term services for residents with disabilities.

Several speakers gave specific examples: Renee McCullough, a Garfield County resident and longtime Medicaid beneficiary’s family member, said her adult son depends on Medicaid-funded job coaching and day‑program services through Mountain Valley Developmental Services. “Without it, he would not be able to afford doctors, medication or his job supports,” McCullough said.

County response and next steps: Commissioners acknowledged the concerns but declined to adopt a county resolution at the meeting. Chairman Jankofsky said the federal bill was still in flux and that a local resolution before final language is available would be premature. Commissioners did agree to pursue a briefing: Jankofsky committed to contact Congressman Lauren ‘Jeff’ Hurd’s office to request that Hurd appear before the county (in person or by Zoom) after federal action is known so constituents can question him directly.

Commissioner Samson said the county would work with local hospitals and health‑care leaders to monitor impacts and advocate as needed. Commissioner Wills noted the county’s limited direct authority over federal programs but said staff and the board would follow the issue and report back.

Speakers included local health‑care workers and residents across the valley who asked the board to act. Several emphasized the role of Medicaid in funding services at Grand River Health and Valley View Hospital, care at nursing homes, and home‑ and community‑based services.

Ending: Commissioners suggested continued public engagement and a future public briefing with the county’s congressional representative. No formal county resolution was adopted at the May 19 meeting; county staff were directed to contact the representative’s office and to report back with options for further local action.