¶ Overview
- Hurd repeatedly reassured constituents that he would protect programs they relied on, like Medicaid. Then voted for a bill that would kick 17 million Americans off their health insurance, including nearly 12 million Americans off of Medicaid. More than 34,000 Coloradans in his district could lose their health coverage as a result of his votes, yet Hurd called the bill a “big step in the right direction.”
- Hurd expressed concern for constituents who would be hurt by an increase in healthcare costs from expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, and even introduced and co-sponsored legislation to extend credits, but refused to push for his bill to get a floor vote through a discharge petition.
- When Hurd finally voted for extension of ACA tax credits, he did so assuming the bill would not pass the senate as it was written when he voted for it. Hurd’s vote came too little too late and Coloradans were faced steep premium increases, which could force some to choose between health care and basic necessities.
¶ Hurd Voted To Cut Coloradans’ Medicaid After Repeatedly Assuring Them That Protecting It Was A Top Priority
¶ Hurd Promised To Protect Medicaid For Those Who Needed It Throughout The Budget Process
March 2025: Hurd Said He Was Committed To Making Sure That Those Who Need Medicaid Have Access To It And That It Was A “Top Priority” Going Into The Budget Process. During a tele-town hall, when asked about Medicaid cuts by a constituent, Rep. Jeff Hurd said, "CONSTITUENT: Thank you very much for taking my question and also for holding this town hall. So, and I don't know if you can answer this, because I know you're on the federal level. But what I was wondering is what is your position in support of Medicaid still being used to help people, not necessarily with disabilities, but who don't have a large income, for example, a full-time college student. And I also want to know if you support cuts, any cuts to Medicaid and/or Medicare. HURD: Thank you very much, Jane, for that question. This is something that I hear a lot about. When I was campaigning, I, one of my very first ads that I ran was on the importance of protecting health care for the less fortunate and underinsured. […] So, I am committed to making sure that those who need Medicaid the most the poor, the working poor, mothers, pregnant women, children, that they have access to that critical safety net. That is why Medicaid was put in place, was to protect the most vulnerable. It's something that I know is very important to the third Congressional District. I believe about 30% of my constituents receive some sort of Medicaid assistance, making sure that we effectively use Medicaid to protect those who most need it is a top priority for me. And I know that's something that we're going to be looking at in the coming budget process that's coming down the road here shortly. So absolutely top of mind for me, something that's personal to me, something that I know is personal to so many my constituents. And we're going to be working hard to make sure that those who need it, have it." [Rep. Jeff Hurd Tele-Town Hall, 3/11/25] (audio)
¶ 2/25/25: Hurd Voted For the Republican Budget Resolution, Which set up future Sweeping Cuts To Medicaid
2/25/25: Hurd Voted For The FY 2025 Budget Framework That Included $2 Trillion In Cuts, Raised The Statutory Debt Limit By $4 Trillion, And Required House Committees To Recommend Legislation That Would Implement Trump’s Agenda. In February 2025, Hurd voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the concurrent resolution that would recommend a budget for fiscal 2025 and budget levels through fiscal 2034. The resolution would assume minimum savings of $1.5 trillion over 10 years and 2.6 percent economic growth over the same period. It also would require the statutory debt limit to be raised by $4 trillion. It also would authorize the House Ways and Means Committee to increase deficits by $4.5 trillion over 10 years to extend the 2017 tax cuts and implement new tax cuts proposed by the White House. It also would provide instructions for the budget reconciliation process through which separate legislation could be considered and passed in the Senate via a simple majority vote. The measure would deliver instructions to 11 House committees to report legislation that would implement President Donald Trump’s agenda, such as expanding tax cuts and bolstering border security and immigration enforcement. The committees would be required to report their legislative recommendations to the House Budget Committee by March 27, 2025. It also would set a $2 trillion target for the spending cuts to be submitted to the House Budget Committee. The resolution also would stipulate that if the committees don't reach that target, the Ways and Means’ reconciliation instructions to increase the deficit by a maximum of $4.5 trillion would be decreased by the amount the other committees come in below the target. Similarly, it would stipulate that Ways and Means could increase the deficit above the $4.5 trillion level by the amount of savings the committees achieve above the $2 trillion target.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the resolution by a vote of 217 to 215. [House Vote 50, 2/25/25; Congressional Quarterly, 2/25/25; Congressional Actions, H. Con. Res. 14]
- HEADLINE: "House Republican Budget Takes Away Health Care, Food Aid To Pay For Expanded Tax Cuts For Wealthy" [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2/21/25]
- New York Times Reported The $880 Billion In Cuts Required By The Republican Budget Proposal Would Have To Come From Medicaid, Medicare Or CHIP. According to the New York Times, "The budget resolution itself is silent on whether Congress cuts Medicaid, which provides health coverage to 72 million poor and disabled Americans. But it instructs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the program, to cut spending by $880 billion over the next decade. If the committee can’t save at least that much, the entire effort could be imperiled because of the special process Congress is using to avoid a Senate filibuster. Ten other committees have their own instructions to follow, though none have been assigned with cutting nearly as much. It’s not so simple as finding the cuts elsewhere. The special process, known as budget reconciliation, means Republicans will have to find all $880 billion from within the Energy and Commerce Committee’s jurisdiction. That leaves them with fewer options than one might think. […] If Republicans want to avoid major cuts to Medicaid, the largest pot of available money is in the other big government health insurance program: Medicare. […] Even if the committee cuts everything that’s not health care to $0, it will still be more than $600 billion short. The committee could also save around $200 billion by eliminating the Children’s Health Insurance Program, but that option has not been raised by the budget committee or anyone in House leadership. […] Even if all of these cuts, revenues and rule cancellations from outside health care can pass muster, the committee will still be left with hundreds of billions of dollars to cut to hit its goal. Mathematically, the budget committee’s instructions mean the committee would need to make major cuts to either Medicare, Medicaid or both." [New York Times, 2/25/25]
¶ After Voting In Favor Of The Republican budget proposal, Hurd Continued To Make False Promises To Protect Medicaid
¶ February 2025: After He Voted For The February Republican Budget Framework That Preceded Significant Cuts In Medicaid, Hurd Said He Was Going To Protect Medicaid
Hurd Said He Would Be Looking To “Protect The Services And Benefits That So Many Families In My District Rely On, Things Like Medicaid And SNAP” After The Budget Resolution Vote. According to Durango Herald, "‘There is zero policy changes in this resolution, but it does set the stage for us to begin those policy changes and to deliver on the things that we campaigned on, securing the border, growing our energy economy, and protecting Colorado families,’ he said. ‘As Congress moves forward, I'm gonna be looking to protect the services and benefits that so many families in my district rely on, things like Medicaid and SNAP.’ A spokesperson for Hurd's office said with a two-seat majority, every Republican had the opportunity to provide input on the resolution, including Hurd." [Durango Herald, 2/27/25]
¶ March And April 2025: Hurd Reiterated His Commitment To Protecting Medicaid
3/22/25: Hurd’s Chief Of Staff Said Hurd Was Ensuring Medicaid Access And Coverage Would Be Protected In The Final Republican Budget Bill. According to Aspen Times, "According to a Hurd representative, the Congressman's opposition to cuts on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security remains unchanged. ‘Jeff is going to advocate against Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security cuts. He is part of the process to ensure that when a budget is passed, we're protecting Medicare access and coverage,’ said Nick Bayer, Hurd's chief of staff. Hurd, however, is open to cuts that find efficiencies, fraud, or enact work requirements depending on how they are put into place. According to physicians on the Committee to Protect Healthcare call, this is not possible without further negative impacts on rural healthcare. ‘Medicaid is one of the most efficient forms of health care coverage, and work requirements simply aren't what they're made out to be,’ said Dr. Mandy Swanson, a physician working in District 3. ‘Most of our patients who rely on Medicaid already work, or they can't work because they're disabled or caring for a family member.’" [Aspen Times, 3/22/25]
- March 2025: Colorado Physicians Hosted A Press Call And Urged Hurd To Oppose Budget Cuts To Medicaid. According to Aspen Times, "Physicians from the Committee to Protect Healthcare urged Colorado Congressional representatives during a Thursday press call to oppose any potential cuts to these social services. The call comes in response to the recent budget resolution that was passed in the House on Feb. 25 that leaves open the possibility of cuts to health care programs, like Medicare and Medicaid. The resolution passed with support from some Colorado leaders, including 3rd Congressional District Republican Rep. Jeff Hurd. […] The Committee to Protect Healthcare is concerned that this budget resolution clears the path to make cuts to essential healthcare programs. The call had physicians from within District 3, which includes Pitkin County, expressing concern over the negative impacts of potential cuts to those programs. ‘Taking Medicaid away from Coloradans will mean patients like mine will have their health problems worsen, and it will become more difficult for them to work, care for themselves, and care for their families,’ said Dr. Stacey Rittmueller, a physician working in District 3. ‘It means people will delay care until they're really sick and end up in our emergency rooms with worse outcomes, worse disease, and more costly care than if they had access early on,’ she added." [Aspen Times, 3/22/25]
4/10/25: Hurd Committed To Preserve Medicaid, Medicare, And Social Security For The People Who Need Them And Acknowledged Their Importance To His District. In an interview on CNN, Rep. Jeff Hurd Said, "SANCHEZ: Congressman, about the budget resolution that was passed. The Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson, they've committed to finding $1.5 trillion in spending cuts. How does the math add up in a way where you will not be touching Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security? HURD: Well, I think it can certainly add up. I mean, we're going to have to see what exactly the process looks like as the committees now can move forward. […] Look, we want to preserve these critical programs. We want to preserve Medicaid. We want to make sure that folks who rely on Medicare can continue to receive those benefits. It's important for us to preserve these things. […] SANCHEZ: Can you guaranty your constituents that those programs will not be cut? HURD: Well, my commitment to my constituents is we are going to preserve these programs and make sure that those who need them most have them and can rely on them. They're essential to my district, about 30 percent of the people in my district are on Medicaid. I know the critical importance of this. Rural hospitals, rural America, the types of districts that I represent, these programs are critical, and our commitment is to make sure that we're going to preserve them and protect the people that need them most." [CNN, 4/10/25] (video)
4/18/25: Hurd Signed Onto A Letter With 11 Colleagues To House Republican Leadership Declaring Their Intent To Protect Medicaid. According to a press release from Rep. Rob Bresnahan, “U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced he and 11 of his Republican colleagues sent a letter sent to House Republican Leadership on the signers’ commitment to protecting Medicaid. The letter was sent to Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie. ‘We acknowledge that we must reform Medicaid so that it is a strong and long-lasting program for years to come… However, we cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations,’ wrote Rep. Bresnahan and the lawmakers.[…] In addition to Rep. Bresnahan, the letter was signed by Representatives David Valadao (CA-22), Don Bacon (NE-02), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Young Kim (CA-40), Rob Wittman (VA-01), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), and Jeff Hurd (CO-03).” [Press Release – Rep. Rob Bresnahan, 4/18/25]
- Hurd And His Colleagues Admitted That Many Of Their Constituents Depended On Medicaid And Said, “Balancing The Federal Budget Must Not Come At The Expense Of Those Who Depend On These Benefits.” According to a press release from Rep. Rob Bresnahan, “‘As Members of Congress who helped to deliver a Republican Majority, many of us representing districts with high rates of constituents who depend on Medicaid, we would like to reiterate our strong support for this program that ensures our constituents have reliable healthcare,’ continued Rep. Bresnahan and the lawmakers. ‘Balancing the federal budget must not come at the expense of those who depend on these benefits for their health and economic security.’” [Press Release – Rep. Rob Bresnahan, 4/18/25]
- Hurd Joined A Letter Asking House Leadership To Preserve Social Safety Net Programs But Then Voted For OBBB Regardless. According to Colorado Times-Recorder, “Hurd has opposed Trump’s pardoning of Jan. 6 rioters and initially seemed ready to vote against the OBBB Act. He joined a letter in April asking House leadership to preserve the social safety net for low-income and disabled Americans, but then voted in lockstep with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to pass the bill by one vote.” [Colorado Times-Recorder, 6/13/25]
¶ 5/22/25: Hurd Voted In Favor Of The House Republican budget Bill, which was projected to kick nearly eight million americans off their health insurance
5/22/25: Hurd Voted For The FY 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill That Included $3.8 Trillion In Tax Cuts Offset By $1.5 Trillion In Spending Reductions To Programs Like Medicaid And The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In May 2025, Bresnahan voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the bill that would provide for approximately $3.8 trillion in net tax cuts and $321 billion in military, border enforcement and judiciary spending, offset by $1.5 trillion in spending reductions, as instructed in the fiscal 2025 budget resolution. It would raise the statutory debt limit by $4 trillion and provide for increased spending on defense and border security, spending cuts on social safety net programs, such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It also includes a mix of tax breaks for businesses and individuals; tax increases on universities and foundations; and a phase-down of clean energy tax credits. […] It would reduce federal spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by requiring states to shoulder more of the cost, expand work requirements for SNAP, extend programs authorized under the 2018 farm bill, and prohibit the U.S. Department of Agriculture from increasing the cost of the Thrifty Food Program. As amended, it would cap state and local tax deductions at $40,000 for households with incomes below $500,000.” The House passed the bill by a vote of 215 to 214. [House Vote 145, 5/22/25; Congressional Quarterly, 5/22/25; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1]
- The House GOP Budget Bill Was Estimated To Increase The Uninsured Population By 8.6 Million By 2034. According to CNN, “The Medicaid and Affordable Care Act provisions in the package could result in 8.6 million more people being uninsured in 2034, according to an early CBO estimate released by Democratic lawmakers. That number is expected to grow with the latest changes.” [CNN, 5/28/25]
- HEADLINE: “House Republican Budget Takes Away Health Care, Food Aid To Pay For Expanded Tax Cuts For Wealthy” [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2/21/25]
- HEADLINE: “CBO: 7.6 Million Would Go Uninsured Under GOP Medicaid Bill” [Politico, 5/13/25]
¶ 7/3/25: When Push Came To Shove, Hurd Voted In Favor Of the final Republican Budget Bill That would kick nearly 12 million americans off medicaid
HEADLINE: “GOP Passes Bill To Steal From The Poor And Give To The Rich.” [Daily Kos, 7/3/25]
7/3/25: Hurd Voted For The Senate FY 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill That Extended $4 Trillion In Expiring Tax Cuts, Added New Tax Breaks, Appropriated $448 Million In Defense, Border, And Immigration Enforcement Funding, Increased The SALT Deduction To $40,000, And Cut Medicaid And Other Social Programs To Offset The Costs. In July 2025, Bresnahan voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, the “motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the bill that would permanently extend nearly $4 trillion in expiring individual and business tax cuts, create several new tax breaks and fund border and immigration enforcement and air traffic control upgrades. It would cut Medicaid and other safety net programs to partly offset the cost. Among other provisions, it would raise the statutory debt ceiling by $5 trillion and appropriate more than $448 billion in mandatory funding for Trump administration priorities and other needs, including $153 billion for defense, $89 billion for immigration enforcement, and $89.5 billion for border control and security. It also would increase the state and local tax deduction cap to $40,000 annually for five years for households making up to $500,000 a year until 2030, when it would permanently revert to $10,000.” The House passed the bill by a vote of 218 to 214. [House Vote 190, 7/3/25; Congressional Quarterly, 7/3/25; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1]
- HEADLINE: "At Least 17 Million Americans Would Lose Insurance Under Trump Plan" [Washington Post, 7/1/25]
- The Congressional Budget Office Estimated That 11.8 Million People Would Become Uninsured As A Result Of The Medicaid Cuts In Republicans’ Reconciliation Bill. According to the Washington Post, "The bill, which narrowly passed the Senate on Tuesday and now heads back to the House, would effectively accomplish what Republicans have long failed to do: unwind many of the key components of the ACA, President Barack Obama’s signature domestic achievement, which dramatically increased the number of Americans with access to health insurance. To start, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the Senate version of the bill would result in 11.8 million more uninsured in 2034, mostly because of Medicaid cuts, compared with 10.9 million if the House version became law." [Washington Post, 7/1/25]
¶ Hurd Defended His Vote For The “One Big Beautiful Bill” As Consistent With His Views Against Cutting Medicaid
¶ Coloradans Criticized Hurd’s Votes For The “One Big Beautiful Bill”
La Plata County Commissioners Approved A Resolution Supporting Medicaid After Hearing Testimony Of Its Importance To Coloradans And Promised To Hold Hurd Accountable For Voting For The Bill After Promising To Protect Medicaid. According to the Durango Herald, "More than a dozen La Plata County residents on Tuesday shared stories of how Medicaid helped them – through a pregnancy, mental health care for a child or lifesaving personal treatment. Several said the joint federal and state program saved them from financial ruin. After hearing testimonials, La Plata County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution supporting federally funded Medicaid. ‘This resolution is about real people. It's about working families, seniors, veterans and children who would lose access to basic health care if those proposed federal cuts do go through,’ said Commissioner Matt Salka. ‘This resolution also tells our federal delegation: Don't balance the federal budget on the backs of rural counties and working families; protect our residents, protect our budget and protect the health care system that we all depend on.’ The proposed cuts are a part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by the U.S. House on May 22. […] U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, who represents Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, has said he supports Medicaid but favors ‘targeted reforms,’ including work requirements. He argues that able-bodied individuals should be incentivized to work, and that current policies sometimes fail to do that. [Commissioner] Porter-Norton vowed to hold Hurd accountable for his promise to maintain Medicaid funding and then voting for the bill. ‘People are going to die if this is passed, and so we will deliver this resolution to him,’ Porter-Norton said. ‘… I want you to know we're going to bring these voices to Congressman Hurd and the senators every single way we can.’" [Durango Herald, 6/24/25]
Hurd’s Constituents Protested To Demand He Vote Against The “One Big Beautiful Bill.” According to KREX, “Residents of U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd’s Congressional District 3 are staging a sit-in Wednesday at the freshman representative’s Grand Junction office on Wednesday as part of a protest over a controversial bill. Grand Junction Indivisible, Montrose and Ouray Counties Indivisible, Mountain Action Indivisible and CD3 constituents are doing this to pressure Hurd into voting no on President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. The sit-in got testy as security in the building attempted to get the protestors to leave. The Grand Junction Police Department was even called in after a security officer allegedly tried to grab a protester’s phone, according to our reporter on the scene. Police confirmed they were allowed to be there and security backed off.” [KREX, 7/2/25]
¶ Hurd Defended His Vote On The “One Big Beautiful Bill” As Good For Medicaid
Hurd Defended His Vote On The “One Big Beautiful Bill” As “Consistent With My Commitment To Protecting Medicaid For The Most Vulnerable Populations.” According to Rep. Jeff Hurd during a telephone town hall, "HURD: I think my vote on the H.R.1, ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ was consistent with my commitment to protecting Medicaid for the most vulnerable populations. When it comes to, again, pregnant mothers, children, the disabled, senior citizens that are dual eligible, we need to make sure that we protect those Medicaid dollars." [Congressman Jeff Hurd Telephone Town Hall, 9/17/25] (audio)
Hurd Agreed With A Constituent That Medicaid Was Important For Saving Lives, But Then Defended The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Medicaid Provisions As Simply “Returning Medicaid Spending Levels To What They Would Have Been At The Pre-Pandemic Level.” According to Rep. Jeff Hurd during a telephone town hall, "CONSTITUENT: I wanted to ask another question about health care. I'm hearing that health care premiums for middle class families are going to escalate significantly starting early next year. I'm also hearing about Medicaid cuts. Medicaid has been proven to save lives, so cutting Medicaid will cost lives. So I'm wondering what you're doing regarding preserving Medicaid for poor families and for making sure that middle class families are not paying exorbitant fees for health care. Thank you. HURD: […] When it comes to Medicaid in particular, I agree 100%. We ought to preserve and protect Medicaid for the most vulnerable populations. I'm talking about pregnant women, children, the disabled, senior citizens who are dual eligible Medicaid/Medicare and the reforms that we talked about doing in Congress strengthen Medicaid for those core populations, for those that need it the most. […] But on the whole, we're just basically returning Medicaid spending levels to what they would have been at the pre-pandemic level. I think we need to make sure that we're using those dollars in the best way. And that's one of the things that that we tried to do in the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill.’ But there's still time for us to fix any problems that that developed before those changes go into effect in a couple of years." [Congressman Jeff Hurd Telephone Town Hall, 9/17/25] (audio)
Hurd Called The “One Big Beautiful Bill” A “Big Step In The Right Direction” For Rural Health Care. In an interview on the Inside the Beltway Podcast, Rep. Jeff Hurd said, “HURD: Well, I think some of the reforms that we did in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ are going to preserve rural health care and preserve Medicaid, which is a vital safety net in my district and in other rural districts. […] The question for me Brennan is do we have the adequate resources, yes? But are we getting our money’s worth for those resources, and rural health care is an issue that matters to me and matters to my colleagues. And I think the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ took a big step in the right direction, but there's still more work to be done.” [Inside The Beltway Podcast, 10/16/25] (video)
¶ More Than 34,000 coloradans in the 3rd congressional district Were at-risk of losing their health coverage because of hurd’s votes
An Estimated 34,769 Coloradans In The 3rd Congressional District Were At-Risk Of Losing Their Health Coverage Because Of The Republican Reconciliation Bill.
[Joint Economic Committee, June 2025]
194,100 Coloradans In The 3rd Congressional District Were Enrolled In Medicaid.
[Center for American Progress, 3/11/25]
¶ Hurd Failed To Extend Critical Health Care Tax Credits Despite Acknowledging The Importance Of Extending Them For His Constituents
¶ September 2025: Hurd Acknowledged The Cost Of Letting Enhanced ACA Premium Tax Credits Expire And Co-Sponsored A Bill To Extend Them For One Year
¶ Hurd Co-Sponsored The “Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Expansion Act” To Extend Enhanced ACA Premium Tax Credits
9/9/25: Hurd Co-Sponsored The “Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Expansion Act” To Extend Enhanced Subsidies. According to Summit Daily News, "It's why Hurd joined roughly a dozen lawmakers, most of them Republican, to co-sponsor the Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Expansion Act, which would extend the subsidies for another year. Hurd also wants Congress to use that time to work on a longer-term solution that targets the underlying cost drivers of health care. […] ‘This is something that Republicans and Democrats are going to have to come together on and see what we can do to fix this,’ Hurd said. ‘If we don't do that, the system is not sustainable, and no one will have health care.’" [Summit Daily News, 9/9/25]
¶ Hurd Acknowledged The Impact Of Tax Credit Expirations On Coloradans And Said He Did Not Want Them To Have To Choose Between Health Care And Food, Utilities, Or Childcare
Hurd Acknowledged That There Would Be A Significant Increase In Health Insurance Costs Without Extending The Enhanced ACA Premium Tax Credit. According to Rep. Jeff Hurd during a telephone town hall, “CONSTITUENT: I wanted to ask another question about health care. I'm hearing that health care premiums for middle class families are going to escalate significantly starting early next year. I'm also hearing about Medicaid cuts. Medicaid has been proven to save lives, so cutting Medicaid will cost lives. So I'm wondering what you're doing regarding preserving Medicaid for poor families and for making sure that middle class families are not paying exorbitant fees for health care. Thank you. HURD: […] First, when it comes to premiums, you're right. For those individuals that are in the individual market, small group market, large group market not affected by this, but for those that are in the small or, sorry, the individual group market, we are facing a potentially serious premium increase in the coming year. And we are working hard in Congress to extend something called the enhanced premium tax credits. It's a way in which we can make health care insurance more affordable for people that are on that individual market. People that, like you, are just trying to make ends meet. So we're working on extending that. We'll see exactly how that looks.” [Congressman Jeff Hurd Telephone Town Hall, 9/17/25] (audio)
Hurd’s Office Projected His Constituents Would Experience An Average Healthcare Premium Cost Increase Of More Than $11,000 Per Year If ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expired. "A Western Slope Republican is among a handful of lawmakers in Congress racing to build enough support to pass legislation that will avoid a massive spike in people’s health insurance premiums next year. But despite the short window of time lawmakers have to act, he thinks they can get it done. […] On the Western Slope, average premium rates could jump 38% in 2026, though costs will be even higher for those earning above 400% of the federal poverty line. In Colorado, that equates to $62,600 a year for an individual and $128,600 for a family of four. Hurd's office projects that people in his district would see an average premium increase of 82%, which would be more than $11,000 per year for an individual." [Summit Daily News, 9/9/25]
Hurd Said He Saw That Coloradans Were Very Worried About Health Care Costs Due To Costs Increasing And Said He Didn’t “Want To Put Hard-Working Coloradans In The Position Where They Have To Choose Between Health Care And Food Or Utility Bills Or Taking Care Of Their Kids.” According to Summit Daily News, "One of the big issues on constituents' minds was health care, and, specifically, whether they could afford to keep their insurance next year, Hurd said. The issue is being driven by the looming expiration of Biden-era subsidies for health plans purchased under the Affordable Care Act. […] ‘I've met a number of hard-working, middle-class constituents who are seriously concerned about whether or not they could keep their health care,’ Hurd said. ‘I don't want to put hard-working Coloradans in the position where they have to choose between health care and food or utility bills or taking care of their kids.’" [Summit Daily News, 9/9/25]
¶ Hurd Was Confident His Bill Would Pass Once The Reality Of Expensive Premium Increases “Hits Home”
Hurd Said He Thought His Premium Tax Credit Expansion Act Would Be Able To Pass Once The Reality Of Expensive Premium Increases “Hits Home.” According to Summit Daily News, "When it comes to individual marketplace insurance plans, around two million people could lose insurance as a result of several of the big, beautiful bill’s policy changes. The expiration of the enhanced tax credits next year would also lead to roughly four million more people losing coverage, bringing total potential insurance losses to 14 million through 2034, according to the budget office. Hurd said he thinks there's a path to passing his bill that would extend the subsidies once the ‘reality of double-digit premium increases hits home.’" [Summit Daily News, 9/9/25]
¶ October 2025: Hurd Signed Onto A Letter To Speaker Johnson Urging Him To Make ACA Tax Credits A Priority After The Shutdown To Avoid “Real Harm” To Constituents
October 2025: Hurd Joined A Letter Urging Johnson To Make ACA Tax Credits A Top Priority After The Shutdown, Which Said That “Allowing These Tax Credits To Lapse Without A Clear Path Forward Would Risk Real Harm To Those We Represent.” According to Summit Daily, "A handful of House Republicans, alongside some moderate Democrats, introduced legislation last month to extend the tax credits for another year. U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, a Grand Junction Republican, is a sponsor of the measure, though he wants to see the health insurance issue dealt with after government funding is approved. Hurd was one of 13 House Republicans who signed onto an Oct. 21 letter to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson urging him to make the health insurance issue a top priority once the shutdown ends. ‘Allowing these tax credits to lapse without a clear path forward would risk real harm to those we represent,’ the letter states. ‘Nevertheless, we must chart a conservative path that protects working families in our districts across the country who rely on these credits.’" [Summit Daily, 10/21/25]
¶ November 2025: Hurd Introduced The HOPE Act to extend ACA tax credits for two years but would not push a discharge petition to get it on the floor for a vote
November 2025: Hurd Introduced A Bill To Extend The Advanced Premium Tax Credit For Two Years But Lower The Income Cap. According to Colorado Newsline, "U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd introduced a bipartisan bill that would extend for two years enhanced premium tax credits for people who buy health insurance on the individual market. The Bipartisan Healthcare Optimization, Protection, and Extension Act, or the HOPE Act, also adds an income cap for the tax credits, so enrollees who make less than $200,000 a year for a family of four would be eligible for the credits. The credits would be phased out for families of four that make between $200,000 and $300,000." [Colorado Newsline, 11/25/25]
Hurd Said He Would Not Fight For A Discharge Petition To Get The Bill Past His Leadership With A Majority Of The Floor’s Support. According to CPR News, "The Bipartisan Healthcare Optimization Protection Extension (HOPE) Act extends the enhanced premium tax credit for two years. It includes a lower income cap for enrollees, about $200,000 for a family of four, and phases out for those making above that (currently the subsidy is capped based on what percent of a family’s income it spends on health care). The bill would also try to crack down on fraud. […] But there are also limits to how far out on a limb the Western Slope Republican will go. Hurd said he would not support a discharge petition to get the bill to the floor. If it gets enough signatures, a discharge petition allows lawmakers to bypass leadership and bring a bill that has a majority of support in the full chamber to a vote. The unusual procedure recently succeeded in forcing a vote on releasing the Epstein files. ‘I think regular order is the right way to do this,’ said Hurd. ‘We’re giving Congress and our colleagues in the Senate a serious, incredible proposal. I think it's really good and I think it reflects a consensus that is sound public policy.’" [CPR News, 11/24/25]
¶ December 2025: Hurd voted for a bill that would weaken protections for people with pre-existing conditions and failed to address premium spikes
¶ December 2025: Hurd Voted For The Lower Health Care Premiums For All Americans Act
2025: Hurd Voted For The Lower Health Care Premiums For All Americans Act That Allowed The ACA Tax Credits To Expire. In December 2025, Hurd voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the bill that would expand the ability of small businesses to establish association health plans and bars states from preventing small businesses from obtaining stop-loss insurance for self-funded health insurance plans. It would codify and expand rules governing employer-funded health reimbursement arrangements and would allow employees in such arrangements to pay Affordable Care Act health insurance premiums through salary reductions. It would provide funding for ACA policy cost sharing reduction payments that reduce deductibles and copayments. It would prohibit plans from providing abortion-related care. It also would require pharmacy benefit managers to provide transparency regarding prescription drug costs and the drug rebates they receive.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 216 to 211. [House Vote 349, 12/17/25; Congressional Quarterly, 12/17/25; Congressional Actions, H.R. 6703]
¶ The Lower Health Care Premiums For All Americans Act Did Nothing To Address The Expiration Of ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits And Would Weaken Protections For People With Pre-Existing Conditions
The December 2025 Republican Health Care Bill Failed To Prevent Imminent Premium Spikes For More Than 20 Million People Who Relied On ACA Marketplace Plans. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, "The health bill House Republicans are preparing to bring to the floor this week not only fails to prevent imminent premium spikes for more than 20 million people in marketplace plans, but would raise costs even higher for many marketplace enrollees and weaken pre-existing condition protections for individuals and small businesses." [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 12/16/25]
- HEADLINE: "House Republicans Pass Health Care Plan Without Re-Upping Insurance Subsidies" [Politico, 12/17/25]
- HEADLINE: "House Passes GOP Health Bill Without Subsidies" [Axios, 12/17/25]
- HEADLINE: "House Passes GOP Health Care Bill Without Obamacare Subsidy Extension" [The Hill, 12/17/25]
- HEADLINE: "House Passes GOP Health Care Bill Without ACA Extension" [CBS News, 12/17/25]
The December 2025 Republican Health Care Bill Would Expand Association Health Plans, Which Would Result In Higher Underlying Premiums For Individuals And Small Businesses That Remained In ACA-Regulated Markets. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, "It would expand association health plans (AHPs), a type of health plan that trade associations, professional groups, and other organizations may offer their members, to cover self-employed individuals and small businesses as if they were large employers. By allowing more people to enroll in coverage not subject to ACA standards and consumer protections, this would segment insurance risk pools: individuals who are younger and healthier, or small businesses with younger or healthier employees, could get plans with lower premiums because they would be priced separately from ACA-compliant coverage and wouldn’t have to meet ACA standards such as having to cover a set of essential health benefits. As a result, individuals and small businesses remaining in ACA-regulated markets would see higher underlying premiums." [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 12/16/25]
The December 2025 Republican Health Care Bill Would Likely Lead To Higher Premiums For Older And Sicker Small Groups And Self-Employed People, Thereby Undermining Protections For People With Pre-Existing Conditions. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, "In addition, the bill would undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions. While it would bar AHPs from rejecting individuals or charging them more based on certain health factors, it would give them greater ability to base a small group’s or self-employed person’s costs on their health risk compared to individual or small-group coverage. This would likely lead to higher premiums for older and sicker small groups and self-employed individuals, making such arrangements more attractive to healthier individuals and groups." [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 12/16/25]
¶ Hurd Did Not Sign Discharge Petitions Aimed At Extending Premium ACA Tax Credits
Hurd Was Not One Of The Republican Signers On A Discharge Petition Led By House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
[Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, Discharge Petition No. 10, 11/12/25]
- House Minority Leader Jeffries’ Discharge Petition Sought To Extend ACA Premium Tax Credits For Three Years. According to Politico Pulse, "House Democrats could move as soon as tomorrow to force a vote on extending the expired Obamacare subsidies for three years, Meredith Lee Hill reports. This measure follows last month’s major setback for Speaker Mike Johnson, when four House Republicans broke from the party to support a discharge petition backed by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to hold a vote." [Politico Pulse, 1/6/26]
Hurd Was Not One Of The Republican Signers On A Discharge Petition Led By Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.
[Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, Discharge Petition No. 12, 12/10/25]
- December 2025: Fitzpatrick Filed A Discharge Petition Aimed At Extending ACA Premium Tax Credits For Two Years Through His Bipartisan Health Insurance Affordability Act. According to a press release from Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, "Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) released the following statement after filing a discharge petition to bring his Bipartisan Health Insurance Affordability Act directly to the House floor for a vote, ensuring Congress takes action to prevent devastating health insurance premium increases when current protections expire at the end of the year: ‘Congress cannot sit idle while American families face a preventable crisis. Our job is to protect the people we serve, and that responsibility demands immediate action. […] Key Provisions of the Bipartisan Health Insurance Affordability Act The legislation advances five reforms designed to protect affordability, strengthen accountability, and ensure taxpayer value: Prevents premium spikes: Extends enhanced premium tax credits through 2027, to protect families from abrupt monthly cost increases. Restores Consumer Control: Stops unauthorized plan and subsidy changes by requiring consent and prompt notification before any modifications take effect. Shines Light on Middlemen: Ends hidden spread pricing, severs PBM profits from drug prices, and requires full rebate pass-through to ensure savings reach patients. Gives Families New Tools to Manage Costs: Expands access to Health Savings Accounts and simplifies premium payments to reduce disruptions in coverage. Smart Stewardship of Taxpayer Dollars: Modernizes eligibility and introduces a reasonable minimum contribution to protect long-term affordability and responsible stewardship of federal dollars." [Press Release – Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, 12/10/25]
Hurd Was Not One Of The Republican Signers On A Discharge Petition Led By Rep. Josh Gottheimer.
[Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, Discharge Petition No. 13, 12/10/25]
- December 2025: Gottheimer Filed A Discharge Petition Aimed At Extending ACA Premium Stax Credits For Two Years. According to a press release from Rep. Josh Gottheimer, "Today, December 11, 2025, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement: ‘In less than three weeks, unless Congress acts now, Affordable Care Act tax credits will expire, and health insurance premiums will shoot up 175% — or $20,000 a year — for families in Jersey. This week, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans and I, with 36 of our Democratic and Republican colleagues, introduced new bipartisan legislation that includes a two-year extension of health insurance premium tax cuts for American families. It’s a commonsense proposal that will keep costs down and prevent families’ premiums from skyrocketing in January. But, the Speaker of the House is refusing to bring our legislation to the floor for a vote. So, our bipartisan group just launched a discharge petition to force an immediate vote in the House. We must get this done now. We must find common ground and lower health insurance premiums. Time is running out for families.’" [Press Release – Rep. Josh Gottheimer, 12/11/25]
¶ January 2026: Hurd’s Reluctant vote to extend enhanced aca premium tax credits came too late and premiums spiked for Coloradans
¶ Hurd Voted For The Temporary Extension Of Affordable Care Act Tax Credits
1/8/26: Hurd Voted For Extending The Affordable Care Act Tax Credits For Three Years. In January 2026, Hurd voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the bill, as amended, that would extend for three years, through the end of calendar year 2028, the enhanced tax credits to subsidize premiums for health insurance purchased on the Affordable Health Care Act health insurance markets. It would allow taxpayers whose household income exceeds 400 percent of the federal poverty line to receive tax credits for three more years. The measure would retroactively take effect Jan. 1, 2026.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 230 to 196. [House Vote 11, 1/8/26; Congressional Quarterly, 1/8/26; Congressional Actions. H.R. 1834]
- 17 Republicans Voted For Passage Of The “Clean” Extension, Following A Procedural Vote The Day Before That Had Support From Nine Republicans. According to Politico, “Seventeen Republicans joined Democrats in passing legislation Thursday that would revive enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years, rebuffing opposition from GOP leadership. The 230-196 vote follows a procedural vote Wednesday to advance the bill, where nine Republicans joined Democrats in favor of moving forward.” [Politico, 1/8/26]
- Speaker Johnson Called The Bill “Really Bad Policy” And Said He Wished That Not Everyone Had A Vote. According to Politico, “Johnson’s office, in a last-ditch effort Thursday morning to undermine the effort, blasted out a memo accusing ‘Democrats [of] want[ing] to expand a COVID subsidy system already flagged for massive fraud and abuse, with absolutely zero reforms.’ After the vote Thursday evening, Johnson said in an interview of the Republicans who defected, ‘I think it’s a really bad policy, and I wish they hadn’t, but everybody had a vote.’” [Politico, 1/8/26]
¶ Hurd Expressed Reticence For Voting For The Bill Without Reforms And Assumed It Would Not Be Passed By The Senate As It Was
Hurd Was Initially Not Planning To Vote For A Measure That Extended ACA Tax Credits For Three Years, But Decided To Vote For It After A Meeting With Senators Suggested The Senate Would Return A Different Measure With Reforms, Not Pass The Bill As Is. According to Politico, " Seventeen Republicans joined Democrats in passing legislation Thursday that would revive enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years, rebuffing opposition from GOP leadership. […] Earlier Thursday, members of the bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus met with senators to discuss a potential solution. Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) said that the meeting — and senators’ plea to show a strong force on this vote in the House — influenced his decision to vote for the measure after initially being inclined to vote against it. ‘There was a sentiment conveyed that if we could get a bill out of the House that had a meaningful amount of bipartisan support, that that would increase the likelihood that the Senate would take this up, pass a bill that has some reforms in it, and send it back,’ Hurd said in an interview about the message communicated during the bicameral meeting." [Politico, 1/8/26]
¶ Expiration of Enhanced ACA premium tax credits were already impacting coloradans and experts suggested it could get worse
¶ Coloradans Faced Increased Costs As A Result Of Enhanced ACA Premium Tax Credit Expiration
Experts Estimated That Coloradans In The Third District Could Experience A Nearly 200% Increase In The Cost Of Health Insurance As A Result Of Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Expiring. According to Post Independent, "Colorado’s individual marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, released final figures last week showing that average insurance premiums will double statewide next year if the subsidies are allowed to expire. Cost increases could be even more severe in the state’s rural areas, like the 3rd Congressional District, which Hurd represents. Colorado’s Western Slope already sees higher premiums due to the elevated cost of providing health care in rural areas, and some mountain resort communities have the highest uninsured rate in the state. According to the Colorado Division of Insurance, annual out-of-pocket costs for a standard silver level insurance plan on the Western Slope could increase by $20,000 in 2026. An analysis by Connect for Health Colorado shows that some Western Slope households will see insurance premium increases of more than 200% without the federal subsidies next year." [Post Independent, 11/4/25]
- HEADLINE: "Even With A Colorado Marketplace Insurance Plan, Health Care Is Still Too Expensive For Many" [Colorado Public Radio, 2/6/26]
- Colorado Division Of Insurance Said Premiums Would Increase 101 Percent In 2026 For ACA Marketplace Plans Because Of The Expiration Of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. According to a press release from the Colorado Division of Insurance, "The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), today released the final approved premium information on private health insurance plans for 2026 for the individual market (for people who don’t get coverage from an employer plan). These filings have been reviewed and updated to reflect the passage of HB25B-1006, which blunted some of the premium increases. The vast majority of consumers enrolled in Colorado’s individual marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, will see a statewide approximate net average premium increase of 101%, meaning a doubling of their premium costs. The DOI estimates these premium increases will lead to approximately 75,000 Coloradans losing access to health coverage. These premium increases reflect the failure of Congressional Republicans to extend the enhanced premium tax credits in time for Open Enrollment. Federal enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs) have lowered costs to Americans since 2021. The tax credits are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2025. Approximately 225,000 Coloradans depend on the tax credits to afford health coverage in the individual market. The loss of these tax credits represents the vast majority of the premium increases consumers will see as they shop around during open enrollment." [Press Release – Colorado Division of Insurance, 10/27/25]
- HEADLINE: "Health Insurance Premiums On Colorado’s Individual Marketplace To Double In 2026" [Colorado Newsline, 10/27/25]
2026 ACA Enrollment Declines Were Steeper For Coloradans Over The Age Of 55 And Coloradans In Rural Areas, Both Groups That Were Hit Harder By The Loss Of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. According to the Colorado Sun, "Cancellations by people who purchased plans during open enrollment and then later dropped them also spiked. The 17,000 people in that group — many of whom had plans that auto-renewed — represented an 83% increase over last year, Patterson said. Enrollment among new customers dropped 24%, Connect for Health reported. And enrollment declines were steeper for people age 55 and older and for those in rural areas — 6% and 5%, respectively. Both of those groups were hit harder by the loss of subsidies. ‘It’s deeply troubling that a record number of people are canceling their plans because they simply can’t afford their monthly payments, or are being forced to choose between health care and basic necessities like housing and food,’ Patterson said in his statement." [Colorado Sun, 1/23/26]
Colorado Small Business Owner Said Her Husband Had to Go Without Health Insurance In 2026 Because The Premium Increased From $205 To $577 After Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expired. According to 9News, "Mercedes Von Pichl, a small business owner and mother of two, is one of those 5,200. She saw her health insurance premium more than double after tax credits expired, forcing her family to make difficult financial decisions. ‘It used to be $205 and now it’s $577, and we are covering one less person,’ Von Pichl said. She said her husband will go without health insurance this year to save money. ‘It’s not fair,’ Von Pichl said. ‘I want everybody to be able to have health insurance without it being like a, 'Choose between this or choose between this.' It should be a given as a human that we have insurance.’ Von Pichl also highlighted the financial strain on families navigating rising health care costs." [9News, 2/12/26]
Cancellations Of Plans Purchased During Open Enrollment Spiked Following The Expiration Of Enhanced ACA Tax Credits, And Enrollment Of New Members Dropped, Which Connect For Health Kevin Patterson CEO Said Likely Reflected Tradeoffs In People’s Monthly Expenses With Increased Insurance Prices.According to Colorado Sun, “Cancellations by people who purchased plans during open enrollment and then later dropped them also spiked. The 17,000 people in that group — many of whom had plans that auto-renewed — represented an 83% increase over last year, Patterson said. Enrollment among new customers dropped 24%, Connect for Health reported. And enrollment declines were steeper for people age 55 and older and for those in rural areas — 6% and 5%, respectively. Both of those groups were hit harder by the loss of subsidies. ‘It’s deeply troubling that a record number of people are canceling their plans because they simply can’t afford their monthly payments, or are being forced to choose between health care and basic necessities like housing and food,’ Patterson said in his statement." [Colorado Sun, 1/23/26]
Adam Fox, Deputy Director Of The Colorado Consumer Health Initiative: “We’re Concerned More Coloradans Will Drop Coverage As They Struggle To Afford Their Premiums.” According to Colorado Sun, "Adam Fox, the deputy director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, said he is worried the state may see additional insurance cancellations as costs pile up. ‘We’re concerned more Coloradans will drop coverage as they struggle to afford their premiums,’ he said." [Colorado Sun, 1/23/26]
¶ Hurd’s Delay Created A Dramatic “Subsidy Cliff”
The Expiration Of Enhanced ACA Premium Tax Credits Created A “Subsidy Cliff” Whereby If Households Earned Even $1 More Than A Specific Income Threshold They Could Lose All Eligibility For Assistance. According to CNBC, "For the first time in years, many Americans enrolled in a health insurance plan via the Affordable Care Act marketplace will need to keep a careful accounting of their annual income — or risk a hefty federal tax bill. Enhanced ACA subsidies lapsed at the end of 2025, leaving millions of households on the hook for higher insurance premiums. The lapse also reintroduced the so-called subsidy cliff, whereby households that earn even $1 more than a specific income threshold will lose all eligibility for subsidies, also known as premium tax credits. That income cutoff, which varies by family size, is $62,600 for a single person, $84,600 for a two-person household and $128,600 for a family of four in 2026, for example." [CNBC, 1/6/26]
- More Than Two Million Americans Had Incomes Near A “Subsidy Cliff.” According to CNBC, "More than 2 million people enrolled in an ACA marketplace plan have an income near the subsidy cliff. ACA enrollees also tend to have relatively volatile incomes, making it hard to predict their annual earnings, experts said." [CNBC, 1/6/26]
Households That Went Over The Income Limit Would Have To Pay Back Any Federal Assistance They Received For Premiums, Which Could Cost Thousands Of Dollars, When They Filed Their Taxes. According to CNBC, "Households over the limit would have to pay back any federal subsidies they received for premiums — potentially worth thousands of dollars — when they file taxes next year for 2026." [CNBC, 1/6/26]
Republicans’ Big Beautiful Bill Exacerbated The Problem By Stripping Away Guardrails Capping The Amount Of Excess Subsidies Households Are Required To Repay. According to CNBC, "The potential financial impact is exacerbated by a multitrillion-dollar legislative package known as the ‘big beautiful bill’ that Republicans passed over the summer, which stripped away guardrails capping the amount of excess subsidies households must repay, experts said." [CNBC, 1/6/26]
¶ 22 Million Americans Relied On ACA Premium Tax Credits To Afford Health Insurance
Approximately 22 Million Americans Relied On ACA Premium Tax Credits To Afford Health Insurance. According to CNBC, "About 22 million Americans received premium subsidies, also known as premium tax credits, in 2025. Households can opt to receive the tax credit in one of two ways: As a lump sum during tax season or as an advanced payment. Under the latter option, by far the most popular, the federal government issues the tax credit directly to a consumer’s insurer, which then lowers the consumer’s out-of-pocket premium. Consumers receive those advanced ACA subsidies based on an estimated annual income they provide when signing up for insurance. They must reconcile those subsidies during tax season and repay any excess tax credits to the IRS." [CNBC, 1/6/26]