How a 90% Reduction in Federal Funding Threatens Healthcare Access in WNC

WNC --  For nearly a decade, Pisgah Legal Services and other local nonprofits have been lifelines for thousands of people in Western North

Carolina. Through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Navigator program, these organizations have helped families, individuals, and small business owners navigate the often-confusing world of health insurance.

But now, that support is in jeopardy.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced a 90% cut to the ACA Navigator program’s federal funding, slashing it from $98 million to $10 million annually. This decision was initiated by the Trump administration as part of a broader effort to reduce the influence of the ACA. While CMS claims the cuts are meant to reallocate resources toward reducing premiums and improving efficiency, the consequences for communities—especially rural and underserved ones like those in Western North Carolina—could be devastating.

What This Means for Western NC

Pisgah Legal Services has assisted over 15,000 residents in securing health insurance since 2014. The NC Navigator Consortium, which Pisgah is a part of, received over $7 million in federal funding last year to support statewide enrollment efforts. This funding helped enroll 6,666 people in ACA marketplace health plans and 4,443 individuals in Medicaid or CHIP. In addition, 90,000 others received assistance, whether through referrals or post-enrollment support.

Now, with funding slashed to just $10 million nationwide, organizations like Pisgah Legal and Legal Aid of North Carolina face an uncertain future.

What Advocates Are Saying

Healthcare advocates are deeply concerned. The Trump administration's move to defund the program follows earlier funding reductions in 2017 and 2018. Critics argue that these cuts disproportionately harm low-income and rural communities, which rely on navigators to understand their healthcare options.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

Western North Carolina has been hit hard in recent years—economically, environmentally, and medically. From the lasting impacts of Tropical Storm Helene to the ongoing recovery from the pandemic, access to affordable healthcare remains a critical need.

The Navigator program doesn’t just sign people up for insurance—it ensures they understand their coverage, get assistance with appeals, and receive post-enrollment help if issues arise. Without these services, thousands of people could fall through the cracks.

What Can Be Done?

While the federal funding cut is substantial, local organizations are exploring other sources of funding to keep some services running. Community members can help in several ways:

Stay Informed: Understand how these changes impact your community.

Donate: Organizations like Pisgah Legal Services rely on donations to continue their work.

Advocate: Contact state and federal representatives to voice concerns about the funding cuts.

For now, navigators are still available to assist North Carolinians during open enrollment, but the future of these services remains uncertain.

Final Thoughts

The 90% funding cut is more than a budget adjustment—it’s a decision rooted in political strategy, one that could leave thousands of people in Western North Carolina without the help they need to access healthcare. As communities struggle with economic challenges and rising medical costs, removing these crucial services could have lasting consequences.

For those who rely on this support, this is more than just policy—it’s a fundamental issue of access to healthcare.

WNCTimes

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