Navigator services in Wisconsin continue to be dedicated to education, outreach, and direct help for anyone in the state’s 72 counties. As announced by CMS earlier this year, the 2025-26 fiscal year funding for Navigator programs around the country has been reduced by 90% from the previous year. For Covering Wisconsin, this is a decrease from $3.2 million to $320,000.  

The significant funding cut will impact scale and scope of some Navigator activities, given fewer individual Navigators who can be supported. Specifically, we anticipate 20 individual licensed Navigators during the upcoming Open Enrollment season and into 2026, down from 41 this past year. Our ability to sustain this degree of capacity for Wisconsin is made possible through the additional financial support from state and local government contracts, grants from foundations and other agencies, and one-time donations from businesses, public programs and organizations, and individuals. 

Beyond direct enrollment, the Navigator role is committed to raising awareness through outreach and promotions, to professional training and consumer education, and to being in myriad community spaces and places that support the health and well-being of all in Wisconsin. Navigators simplify public understanding and use of our health insurance systems to minimize the misunderstandings and misdirections that can derail health coverage success. And we cultivate and sustain relationships with health systems, health plans, and governmental agencies whose policies and actions affect Wisconsin consumers’ coverage experiences.   

We are extremely thankful for all the ways previous and continuing Navigators have served Wisconsin, including contributing to our state’s recent record high of 313,579 enrollees in Marketplace plans.   

As before, we encourage anyone seeking more information about or assistance with health coverage options to call Covering Wisconsin at 877-WI-COVER (877-942-6837), go to our website at CoveringWI.org where you can also engage through our webchat tool, or to visit the state’s WisCovered.com resource page.