Urgent: Proposed Budget Cuts Threaten Vital Health Insurance Navigator Program in Milwaukee

A major funding cut expected later this year poses a serious threat to Covering Wisconsin, a health insurance navigator program. This initiative offers free help to people seeking health coverage options.

Founded under the Affordable Care Act in 2014, Covering Wisconsin employs trained navigators to assist with health insurance enrollment, including Medicaid and Medicare. Last year alone, they helped over 97,000 individuals with various insurance-related matters and nearly 10,000 people completed their enrollment.

In February, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced a nationwide funding reduction for navigator programs. This cut could slash funding by 90%, which would drop Covering Wisconsin’s budget from $3.1 million to about $300,000. Allison Espeseth, the program’s director, expressed concern, saying, “Our resources will be greatly limited.”

Most of Covering Wisconsin’s funding, about 75%, comes from federal sources. According to Elizabeth Rothe, the organization’s liaison, the impact of these cuts would be felt statewide, particularly in areas where navigators provide community support and aid in health center services.

Richelle Andrae, from the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association, voiced her concern about losing such vital services. Individual health centers have some certified counselors, but the expertise navigators offer is unmatched. “Navigators are the experts on health insurance issues,” she noted, emphasizing their importance.

Navigators assist everyone, not just those purchasing Affordable Care Act plans. They help with all insurance-related matters, including Medicare and BadgerCare Plus, Wisconsin’s Medicaid program. Cheryl Isabell, a community engagement lead for Covering Wisconsin, highlighted the importance of building trust and educating people within their communities: “Our mission is to help people access care.”

Looking back, funding for navigator programs saw sharp cuts around 2017. Similar reductions led to significant drops in health insurance enrollment, especially among low-income adults and non-English speakers. According to recent studies, this means fewer people are likely to get preventive care, instead relying on expensive emergency services when situations become critical.

Despite the challenges ahead, Espeseth reassured that Covering Wisconsin will continue to exist, remaining a vital resource for health insurance navigation. “We encourage people to reach out to us for assistance now and in the future,” she said.

The evolving landscape of health insurance guidance, especially in light of funding threats, highlights the important role of community navigators. Their expertise not only helps individuals navigate complex systems but also promotes healthier communities overall. To learn more about Covering Wisconsin and its services, visit here.

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