Morgan: No one at MHP Salud has lost their job because of federal funding cuts 

WESLACO, TEXAS – A spokesperson for MHP Salud says no staff member has lost their job because of federal funding cuts to the Affordable Care Act Navigator Program.

Heather Morgan is vice president of communications and business development for MHP Salud. She oversees brand development and management, reputation, communications, and positioning. In an email to the Rio Grande Guardian, she did confirm that the Weslaco-based non-profit has been informed of federal funding cuts to the Navigator program.

“MHP Salud has a long-standing history in the RGV. We provide multiple services to the community to provide families and individuals with health education, child health and developmental support, health insurance education and application assistance, and much more,” said Heather Morgan, vice president of communications and business development for MHP Salud.

“Our programming array includes Parents as Teachers, Familias Saludables, Silver Connections, Connecting Kids to Coverage, and the Navigator program.”

Heather Morgan

Morgan continued: “While MHP Salud has received notice that funding for the Navigator program will be reduced, we will receive funding to continue serving the RGV through the Navigator program, as well as our other programs.”

Morgan added: “Moreover, while the funding reduction will impact staffing, final decisions have not yet been made, and no one was informed that August 31 will be their last day of employment.”

Morgan wrote to the Guardian following comments made by Moises Arjona, collective impact director for Unidos Contra la Diabetes. During a webinar hosted by Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force, and in a subsequent interview with the Guardian, Arjona spoke about the impact of federal funding cuts to the Affordable Care Act.

Morgan said Arjona does not work for MHP Salud and does not speak for the nonprofit. 

Editor’s Note: Click here to listen to Arjona’s remarks on the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force webinar.

Asked if he would like to respond, Arjona said: “What I shared (at the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force webinar) was that from the community health workers who are employed at MHP Salud, those who reached out and provided me with information regarding funding and who were looking for open job positions.”

Moises Arjona

Arjona continued: “We value MHP Salud as a partner in the community and they do great work, but as they have stated in their email, funding is being reduced and that will affect the work that is being done in the community.”

Arjona added: “MHP Salud is a provider for the Affordable Care Act and many of our folks in the community depend on MHP Salud to continue to help them navigate the Market Place during open enrollment. Our population is not tech savvy and needs help, especially during open enrollment.”

Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of the part of the interview Arjona gave the Guardian related to Affordable Care Act cuts:

CMS Perspective

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced in February that funding for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Navigator program would shrink to $10 million. 

“The savings from this reduction will allow the Federally-facilitated Exchanges (FFEs) to focus on more effective strategies that improve Exchange outcomes and to reduce the user fee in future years, which would translate into a reduction in premium,” CMS said.

“This change will directly benefit people enrolled without subsidies who pay the full premium for their health insurance. In addition, lower premiums will reduce the burden on hardworking American taxpayers who fund the premium subsidies through the FFEs.”

CMS added: Overall, “Navigator performance data shows that the current level of funding does not represent a reasonable return on investment. These numbers indicate that Navigators are not enrolling nearly enough people to justify the substantial amount of federal dollars previously spent on the program. This reduction will ensure funding is focused on meeting the statutory goals of the program more efficiently and effectively.”

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Editor’s Note: Rio Grande Guardian reporter Daniela Capistran contributed to this story from Weslaco.

Editor’s Note: Click here to read MPH Salud’s 2024 Annual Report.

About MHP Salud

On its website, MHP says: “Led by compassion, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community, MHP Salud helps children, families and adults access health care, resources and support to experience positive health and well-being.”

The group’s mission statement reads: “We serve communities by embracing the strengths and experiences of individuals and families, engaging them to achieve health and well-being.”

The group’s vision is: “We believe everyone deserves to live healthy and resilient lives within their communities.”

On the website, MHP Salud lists the three values it holds dear: collaboration, respect, and growth. 

“Collaboration: We foster open and honest communication with our team and partners to advance the mission and strengthen our relationships,” the website states.

“Respect: Our organization is strengthened by our shared commitment to each other, the communities we serve, and our thoughtful consideration of differing experiences and perspectives.”

On growth, the website states: “We embrace our people’s unique talents and strengths, creating opportunities for them to explore their passions to be their best and grow authentically.”

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