Wayla Murrow: Speaking Out from Colorado’s 8th District on Medicaid Cuts

Wayla Murrow of Commerce City, Colorado, lives in the 8th Congressional District and has been a registered Republican for years. But when it comes to Medicaid, she says, “the issue of Medicaid and health care transcends political affiliation for me.” 

Wayla is the mother of 30-year-old Cynda, who has an intellectual disability and receives services through the Developmental Disabilities Waiver under Medicaid. These services are essential to both Cynda’s health and her quality of life. “The services provided by Medicaid have enabled her to meaningfully engage with our local community, establishing connections, friendships, volunteer opportunities, and fostering a sense of self-worth,” Wayla said. 

Cynda lives at home with her parents, who serve as her caregivers, an arrangement made possible through Medicaid supports. “Essential services funded by Medicaid include her day program and her ability to live with us, her parents, as her caregivers, which prevents the need for more costly living arrangements,” Wayla explained, “additionally, Medicaid provides payment for her health care, helping to prevent significant illnesses that could result in hospitalization,” she said. 

Cynda worked at Walgreens for nine years as a cashier and customer service associate, but her job came to an end last year due to mounting health issues. “She faced difficulties due to her heart condition, her asthma, and anxiety, leading to her termination,” Wayla said. During her employment, Cynda worked just 11 hours per week, and her family had to carefully monitor her compromised immune system. 

Now, Wayla says, they still search for job opportunities for Cynda every week, but it isn’t easy. “Managing her health conditions alongside employment adds complexity to my caregiving responsibilities daily,” she said. Wayla expressed concern about proposed changes to Medicaid, particularly work requirements: “While I would love for Cynda to be employed, it is challenging due to her health conditions.” 

She concluded her remarks with a heartfelt plea: “I respectfully urge you to preserve Medicaid without cuts or without additional requirements.” 

Cynda shared her own message in response to the proposed cuts, “Please do not cut Medicaid. It really helps me.”