Health leaders from two of Colorado’s largest counties are raising their voices about proposed federal budget cuts to Medicaid. The $715 billion in healthcare cuts would devastate Colorado families, health care workers, and local economies.
Today, the local Boards of Health for Adams County and Jefferson County joined hospitals and community providers to ask Congress to stop the proposed Medicaid cuts. They say these cuts would lead to sicker patients, unpaid providers, and a weaker economy.
“Adams County has the highest proportion of Medicaid patients in the Front Range,” said Dr. Kelly Weidenbach, Executive Director of the Adams County Health Department. “These cuts would make it much harder for people to get the care they need. Medicaid helps people live healthier lives—especially pregnant women, children, individuals who have disabilities, and adults with low incomes.”
Dr. Sarah Story, Director of Jefferson County Public Health, echoed the concerns. “Medicaid is a lifeline for thousands of people in our communities,” she said. “When people can’t get care, their health problems get worse—and that costs everyone more. We should be making it easier to get care, not harder.”
What Is Medicaid and Why Does It Matter?
Medicaid is a joint state and federal program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to more than one in five Coloradans, including 40% of all children in the state.
Adams and Jefferson counties represent over 20% of Colorado’s population. Their leaders say cuts to Medicaid would harm residents and local hospitals and clinics, many of which are already struggling. If these cuts go through, some may be forced to close, leaving more people without care.
More Than Health Care—It’s About Jobs, Too
Medicaid isn’t just about health—it’s also about jobs. The health care sector supports nearly one in five jobs in Colorado, bringing in $148 billion in economic activity.
Right now, 92% of people on Medicaid are working, going to school, caring for a family member, or living with a disability. However, Congress is proposing rules that would make it harder for people to stay on Medicaid. Experts say these rules won’t actually help people find work. Instead, they’ll create more paperwork, more confusion, and more people losing coverage—even if they still qualify.
Our Message to Congress: Don’t Cut Medicaid
“One person needlessly losing their health care is too many. 13.7 million people losing their health care under this Congressional proposal would be a catastrophe,” said Dr. Weidenbach.
If we want stronger, healthier communities, we need to invest in programs like Medicaid. The health leaders from Adams and Jefferson counties say they will keep fighting to ensure every resident has a fair chance at a healthy life.
“We need more access to health care, not less,” said Dr. Story. “These cuts will hurt families, health systems, and the economy. Congress must protect Medicaid.”
