Representative West, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and Mayor Thomas McNamara voiced their opposition to Mercyhealth‘s decision to end Medicaid coverage and reduce resources on Rockford's west side. A news conference was held in front of Mercyhealth’s hospital on the city’s west side just days before it stops accepting Medicaid coverage provided Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Representative West, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and Mayor Thomas McNamara showed support for Mercyhealth's staff, but admonished Javon Bae and Mercyhealth's board for putting money over people. Representative West shared his efforts to find a solution with Mercyhealth explaining that
“Every time I felt that we were about to jump the hurdle, the bar was raised by Mercyhealth."