02.14.2025 / Statement

CMS’s Decision Eviscerates Navigator Funding, Leaving Hundreds of Thousands Adrift on Health Care Decisions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Families USA, issued the following statement today in response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing a $360 million cut in funding to the Federal Navigator program, which helps ensure people can select the best plans that meet their individual and budgetary needs.

“By cutting funds to health care navigators by 90%, eviscerating those who help Americans sign up for health care coverage, President Trump violated his repeated promise to not harm access to health care through the Affordable Care Act or Medicaid.

“This Valentine’s Day massacre of the navigator program, alongside other actions such as the mass firings of other public servants, severely undermines the ability of Americans to access and understand the coverage they need to be healthy. In 2024 alone, navigators helped more than 384,000 families choose affordable health coverage through Medicaid or the marketplace that suited their circumstances. Navigators help people with some of the most complex situations understand their health plan options and assist them in getting needed care.

“No one voted for less access and options for health care coverage—President Trump and other Republicans disavowed the ACA repeal agenda and said just a week ago he wanted to love and cherish Medicaid and Medicare. This action to take axe to navigator funding, along with the massive cuts and caps contemplated in the House Budget resolution, will erode the record number of coverage and enrollment gains we’ve achieved over the past years.

“Navigators help people navigate the health care system. Without them, many families will face an uphill battle in selecting and applying for affordable coverage that is vital for their health.”