20-03-2025
Organization's cuts could be felt across Southeast Kansas
ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — An Allen County organization will see federal funding cut by 90%, and the impact could be felt across the region.
Iola based 'Thrive Allen County' learned last month of plans by the federal government to reduce funding for the 'Navigator' program by 90%.
'Navigators' assist with finding health insurance programs through the federal 'Affordable Care Act' marketplace.
Thrive Allen County works with multiple organizations throughout Kansas, like the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, to place Navigators in communities.
Thrive President and CEO Lisse Regehr says Navigators are used by several people in the community, especially farmers who are self-employed — but the cuts are going to reduce how much they can do next year.
'Unfortunately, I've already let some of the organizations know, we're currently working with seven, right now, for next year I've got five written in, because there's no way we can continue all seven. And, so, cuts are being made. I've already got four team members that know that come August, they don't have jobs,' said Regehr.
Regehr says Thrive will continue the Navigator program next year, but in a much smaller fashion.
She says the organization is looking at other funding sources to help keep it going in as many locations as possible.
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