Trump Administration Cuts ACA Navigator Funding by 90%

The Trump administration has announced a significant reduction in funding for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Navigator program, cutting it from $98 million in the current plan year to just $10 million, a nearly 90% decrease. This move, made by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), aims to save a total of $360 million over the next four years, with the intention of using these savings to lower premiums for those who do not qualify for federal subsidies. Critics argue that this funding cut will hinder navigators' ability to assist low-income populations in enrolling for health insurance and Medicaid, as navigators are crucial for public education and outreach. Despite the funding cuts, navigators managed to enroll about 92,000 consumers in the ACA marketplaces for the 2024 plan year, a figure that represents only 0.6% of plan selections. Historical data shows that similar funding levels in the past led to reduced outreach and layoffs among navigators. The Biden administration had previously restored funding to the program, which was significantly slashed during the first Trump administration.