WASHINGTON - The Trump administration announced today it was cutting Affordable Care Act (ACA) Navigator Grants by almost $30 million – from $62.5 million to $36 million. Navigators help people enroll in plans through health insurance marketplaces, with the next open enrollment period running from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. The administration also announced it is cutting advertising promoting ACA enrollment from $100 million to $10 million.

Following is the statement of Craig Obey, deputy executive director for Families USA, on the administration’s actions:

“This is – pure and simple – a part of this administration’s ongoing attempt to sabotage the Affordable Care Act. The President has made no secret of the fact that he wants the ACA to fail and with this action the administration is making this a self-fulfilling prophecy.

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“Both the Navigators and advertising promoting open enrollment have shown they are effective, so by gutting these programs the administration will likely drive down enrollment and poison the ACA marketplaces. It will be important in the weeks and months ahead to come to get the word out that the health insurance marketplaces will still be open for business and ready to provide the affordable, comprehensive health coverage that America’s families want and need.

“Congress should take quick bipartisan action to provide adequate funding to support marketplace enrollment and put a stop to this destructive policy shift.”

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